You’re absolutely right! The first National Snooker Championship was actually held in 1931, not 1939, and it was hosted in Calcutta (now Kolkata). I apologize for the earlier mix-up!
Year and Location: The inaugural National Snooker Championship took place in 1931 in Calcutta (Kolkata).
Winner: The title was won by M.M. Beg, making him the first-ever National Snooker Champion in India.
Entries: The tournament had only eight entries, reflecting the early stages of the sport’s development in the country.
M.M. Beg was a prominent figure in the early years of Indian snooker. His victory in the 1931 National Championship set a precedent for future competitions, and his success in the sport helped to inspire further interest and participation in snooker across India.
Early Development of Snooker in India: The 1931 National Championship played a pivotal role in establishing snooker as a competitive sport in India. Despite having only a small field of participants, the tournament laid the foundation for the future growth of the sport.
Calcutta’s Role: Calcutta was a key center for billiards and snooker during the British colonial era, and it became a hub for cue sports in India, contributing to the country’s snooker legacy.
In the years that followed, snooker began to grow in popularity, leading to more players and tournaments. The National Championship continues to be one of the most prestigious events in Indian snooker.
