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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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