Pool Nationals put off to Feb

Other reasons for the poor entries were attributed to disinterest and lack of funds within state associations. Another factor was that this being the first Nationals for Pool, various state associations might not have conducted state level Pool championships. And this has also contributed to the delay in receiving entries.

According to KSBA, the many pool parlours dotting the city do not have standard pool tables and equipment. KSBA itself does not have the required equipment for the conduct of the National Pool championships and are importing tables, balls and other accessories from Singapore. These are expected to arrive shortly, the organisers said.

Indifferent sponsors

Lamenting the lack of sponsorship and encouragement, Jairaj, joint secretary said there was no dearth of talent.

‘‘Our potential stars are forced to practice with sub-standard facilities. In the last Asian Games in Bangkok, Indian cueists won five medals including two gold medals. Yet there is little encouragement or sponsorship,’’ he said.

‘‘Most of the Indian players are amateurs and hence cannot devote much time to the sport due to the poor returns they get,’’ said Subahu Desai, secretary.

India have produced world beaters like Geet Sethi, Ashok Shandilya, Yasin Merchant and Sonic Multani in Billiards and Snooker, but sponsorship has been meagre. Pool as a sport, is different from snooker and billiards. It is a fast game with a large number of active followers. But it is being looked upon as purely a business venture in India. The many pool parlours in the country are a testimony to this. Perhaps the state and national association could tap into the enormous interest in the game and channelise it. For the forthcoming Pool Nationals, Karnataka are preparing a team of snooker players to double as pool players. A state championship for pool followed by the nationals would have been an ideal situation. But since that is not in the offing it is the make shift team that has to carry the State’s colours.