Making history on the green baize, India’s Vidya Pillai clinched the gold medal in the Heyball event at the first-ever Commonwealth Billiards Championships, showcasing her precision, focus, and unmatched skill.
Held in Chandigarh, the prestigious tournament brought together cueists from across the Commonwealth nations. Pillai’s triumph not only earned her a place in the record books but also marked India’s first gold in the Heyball format at a major international billiards event.
The seasoned cueist, already a multiple-time national and international medalist, displayed consistent brilliance throughout the competition. In a tense final match, she outplayed her opponent with strategic finesse and calm under pressure, drawing loud cheers from the home crowd.
“This win means a lot — it’s not just a personal victory, but a proud moment for Indian cue sports,” said Pillai after her win. “To win gold at the inaugural Commonwealth Billiards Championships, especially in front of an Indian audience, is truly special.”
The win adds to Pillai’s decorated career and further strengthens India’s growing stature in international cue sports. As she stood atop the podium with the gold medal around her neck, the national anthem playing in the background, it was clear — Vidya Pillai had not only won a match but etched her name into sporting history.
