More Indians should compete on the professional snooker circuit: Balasubramaniam
The Hindu
The country should have at least 20 players in the top-128, says the BSFI President
Billiards and Snooker Federation of India (BSFI) President S. Balasubramaniam would like to see more Indian players compete on the professional snooker circuit.
Balasubramaniam, elected unopposed to the post at the BSFI AGM a few days ago, stated that unless more Indians feature in the professional ranks, “the game will not go anywhere”.
“Professional snooker circuit is where the money is. Sadly, there is only one Indian there — Himanshu Jain. Going by the size of our country and the number of players we have, India should have at least 20 players in the top-128 on the pro circuit.
“For that to happen, we need to set up basic infrastructure, and we should be able to fund players to go abroad for training. Professional snooker tournaments attract spectators and eyeballs. People want to see the best in action. Unless Indians are in the pro circuit, this game will not go anywhere,” Balasubramaniam said here on Thursday.
Indian Open set to be revived
The Indian Open, the lone professional snooker tournament in the country, was last held in 2019. Balasubramaniam stated that the Indian Open is set to be revived.
“We are working on the Indian Open. The next Indian Open should be held in the next 12 to 18 months. We are also keen to take forward the professional league which we held for a year,” the experienced administrator said.