The 2016 Asian Billiards Sports Championship was a remarkable event for Indian cue sports, held from 24 September to 2 October 2016 in Al Fujairah, UAE. India had an impressive performance, securing a gold, a silver, and three bronze medals in various events, showcasing the strength of Indian players in billiards and snooker.
Siddharth Parikh won the gold medal in the 100-up billiards event, an outstanding achievement for him and Indian billiards. His victory was a highlight of the tournament, marking a significant moment in Indian cue sports.
Silver Medal (Vidya Pillai – 6-Red Snooker, Women):
Vidya Pillai, one of India’s top women snooker players, won the silver medal in the 6-red snooker event for women. Vidya has long been a trailblazer for women in Indian cue sports, and her silver medal further cemented her place as one of the country’s leading players.
Sourav Kothari (Billiards 100-up):
Sourav Kothari won a bronze medal in the 100-up billiards event. He has been a dominant figure in Indian billiards for years, and his medal at this event added to his impressive career.
Kamal Chawla (6-Red Snooker, Men):
Kamal Chawla took home a bronze medal in the 6-red snooker event for men, adding to India’s success in the snooker category at the tournament.
Amee Ona Kamani & Arantxa Sanchis (6-Red Snooker, Women):
The pair of Amee Ona Kamani and Arantxa Sanchis earned a bronze medal in the 6-red snooker event for women, further contributing to India’s medal tally.
Manan Chandra, Sundeep Gulati, & Ishpreet Singh Chadha (Team Snooker):
The Indian team comprising Manan Chandra, Sundeep Gulati, and Ishpreet Singh Chadha won a bronze medal in the team snooker event. Their teamwork and skill earned them a place on the podium.
India’s Strong Performance: India’s gold, silver, and three bronze medals in the 2016 Asian Billiards Sports Championship showcased the country’s growing strength in cue sports, both for men and women. This success helped elevate India’s status in the international billiards and snooker arena.
Siddharth Parikh’s gold was particularly noteworthy, as it highlighted India’s dominance in the billiards format, especially in the 100-up discipline.
Vidya Pillai’s silver and her continued success at international events proved her consistent excellence in women’s snooker, while players like Sourav Kothari and Kamal Chawla added to the legacy of Indian cue sports on the global stage.
Team Effort: The team snooker bronze medal demonstrated the depth of talent within Indian snooker, with the team working together to achieve a podium finish.
The success at the 2016 Asian Billiards Sports Championship further cemented India’s position as a powerhouse in cue sports, with Indian players now recognized on the international stage for their skill and accomplishments. It also encouraged more players to take up cue sports, particularly billiards and snooker, contributing to the growth of the sport within India.
