Former World Billiards Champion Manoj Kothari Passes Away

In January 2026, the Indian sports fraternity mourned the passing of Manoj Kothari, one of the most distinguished figures in cue sports and a pioneering force in Indian billiards. The former World Billiards Champion and current Chief National Coach of the Indian billiards team breathed his last at the age of 67 years in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. His death marks the end of an era in Indian cue sports, during which he elevated the sport to unprecedented heights through his exceptional achievements and dedicated coaching. For competitive exam aspirants studying Indian sports personalities and achievements, this is an important contemporary event to understand and remember.

Key Facts for Competitive Exams: Quick Reference

• Who: Manoj Kothari
• Profession: Former World Billiards Champion & Chief National Coach
• Passing Away: January 2026
• Age at Death: 67 years
• Location of Death: Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu (TN)
• World Billiards Titles Won: 2 times
• First World Title: 1990 (IBSF World Billiards Championship)
• Second World Title: 1997 (World Doubles Billiards Championship with Ian Williamson, England)
• National Coach: From 2011 onwards (more than 15 years of service)
• Major Dhyan Chand Award: Received in 2005
• State Champion Titles: Won 16 times during his career
• IBSF Lifetime Achievement Award: Received in 2025

Career Highlights: Two-Time World Champion

Manoj Kothari’s competitive career stands as a testament to exceptional skill, dedication, and excellence in the sport of billiards. His rise to prominence began with his maiden International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF) World Billiards Championship title in 1990, an achievement that firmly established him among the elite players in world cue sports. This victory at the world stage demonstrated that Indian billiards players could compete successfully against the best international competitors.

Building on this success, Kothari proved his longevity and versatility in the sport by capturing the World Doubles Billiards Championship title in 1997, where he partnered with Ian Williamson from England. The accomplishment of winning a doubles championship reflected not only his individual skill but also his ability to collaborate effectively with top-level international players. This achievement reinforced his status as one of the finest billiards players of his generation and contributed significantly to India’s reputation in international cue sports.

National Dominance: State Champion 16 Times

Beyond his international achievements, Manoj Kothari demonstrated consistent excellence at the national level throughout his playing career. He captured the State Champion title an impressive 16 times, reflecting his sustained dominance in Indian billiards championships over several decades. This remarkable record underscores his ability to maintain peak performance and competitive excellence year after year, making him a source of inspiration for aspiring billiards players across the country.

Transition to Coaching: Building the Next Generation

Following his retirement from professional competitive play, Kothari transitioned seamlessly into a mentoring role, taking on the position of National Coach of the Indian billiards team from 2011. In this capacity, he served for more than a decade and a half (over 15 years), during which he shaped the development of India’s billiards talent. As the Chief National Coach, he was instrumental in training and nurturing the next generation of Indian billiards players, passing on his vast experience and championship mindset to younger athletes.

His coaching contributions were vital in maintaining India’s competitiveness in international billiards tournaments and fostering a culture of excellence within the Indian cue sports community. His role transcended mere technical instruction; he served as a mentor and guide who inspired athletes to strive for world-class performance.

Major Dhyan Chand Award: India’s Highest Sports Honour

In 2005, the Government of India (GoI) conferred the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Award upon Manoj Kothari in recognition of his exceptional contributions to sports, specifically in billiards. The Major Dhyan Chand Award, named after the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, represents India’s highest lifetime achievement award in sports and is bestowed upon athletes who have made extraordinary contributions to their respective disciplines.

Kothari’s receipt of this national honor validated his lifetime of dedication to billiards and acknowledged his role as a torchbearer for the sport in India. This award placed him among the pantheon of India’s greatest sporting achievers and cemented his legacy as a transformational figure in Indian cue sports.

IBSF Lifetime Achievement Award: International Recognition

Demonstrating the global respect and admiration Kothari commanded within the international billiards community, the International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF) conferred upon him a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025, just months before his passing. This recognition from the sport’s premier international governing body acknowledged his immense contributions not only to Indian billiards but also to the global development and promotion of cue sports.

The IBSF Lifetime Achievement Award placed Kothari in an exclusive category of legendary players whose impact transcends national boundaries and has enriched the sport on a worldwide scale. Receiving this award in his final year of life represented a fitting culmination of his illustrious career.

West Bengal and Calcutta Recognition: Regional Honors

Kothari’s contributions to sports were also acknowledged at the regional level, particularly in West Bengal, a historically significant center for cue sports in India. The Government of West Bengal honored him with the Kriraguru Samman, recognizing his exceptional achievements and lifetime contributions to the sporting community.

Additionally, the Calcutta Sports Journalists Club bestowed upon him a Lifetime Achievement Award, further acknowledging the profound impact he had on Indian sports and his role in inspiring journalists and sports enthusiasts throughout his career. These regional honors reflected the deep appreciation and respect that the sporting community held for Kothari.

Exam-Focused Summary: Essential Information

For competitive exam preparation, memorize these critical points:

1. Death Date: January 2026
2. Age: 67 years
3. Place of Death: Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
4. Position: Chief National Coach of Indian billiards team
5. World Billiards Champion: Two-time (1990 and 1997)
6. 1990 Achievement: First IBSF World Billiards Championship title
7. 1997 Achievement: World Doubles Billiards Championship with Ian Williamson (England)
8. Coaching Period: From 2011 onwards (15+ years)
9. State Champion Titles: 16 times
10. Major Dhyan Chand Award: 2005 (India’s highest sports lifetime achievement award)
11. IBSF Lifetime Achievement Award: 2025
12. Kriraguru Samman: Award from West Bengal Government
13. Calcutta Sports Journalists Club Award: Lifetime Achievement Award
14. Significance: Pioneer of Indian cue sports; elevated India’s global standing in billiards