Had I played some other sport, I’d be an Arjuna awardee

The seasoned cueist acknowledges that it takes a lot for a woman to pursue any sport in the country, and a supportive family eases that path. I am hoping my win will give snooker its due, in whichever small way. This is the tenth year that I have been nominated for the Arjuna award. Had it been some other sports, I would have got it by now. I am not playing for awards, but they bring recognition to the sport.

Bangaloreans have proved it yet again! They are a formidable force in cue sports – not just at home turf, but in the globe stage.

Just a day following Pankaj Advani’s remarkable 27th International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF) world title in Doha, another Bangalorean, Vidya Pillai, scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the 6-Red Snooker World Championship. Notably, both triumphs unfolded in the Qatar’s capital.

Vidya’s victory, a resounding 4-1 win over compatriot Anupama Ramachandran, marked a triumphant breaking of a sixth-time jinx for the seasoned cueist.

Fresh from her triumph, Vidya sees her world champion crown not just as a personal achievement but as a beacon of hope for the future of cue sports – both in Bangalore and across the country.

She perceives her victory will bring about a significant shift in focus, drawing greater recognition to the often-overlooked world of cue sports and spotlight the abundance of talent in India.

Post her return to hometown, Our Bangalore caught up with the world champion at the Bangalore Snooker Academy in Pulikesh Nagar for a free-wheeling chat.

And Vidya, exuding her customary vibrant and confident self, candidly delved into a slew of topics, ranging from the sport’s potential inclusion in the Olympics, delicate balance between motherhood and rigorous practice, how sports build character, and more. Read on…

Vidya:  Yes, it has been a long wait, but was all worth it! In the past, I have won quite a few gold medals in international events, but the title of ‘World Champion’ is something very special; we all aspire to addressed as one at least once in our careers. And, as you said, the timing of the win makes it even more special.

Vidya: I am hoping it’ll give snooker its due, in whichever small way. This is the tenth year that I have been nominated for the Arjuna award. Had it been some other sports, I would have got it by now. I am not playing for awards, but they bring recognition to the sport. It’s Pankaj Advani’s 27^th World title and that’s what he’s been trying to do—bring laurels to the game. We train harder like any other Olympic sport; it’s time we are heard and seen.

Pillai: I have been hearing about this the inclusion since 2000. It’s been 23 years and we still await it. Had cue sports been an Olympic sport, we would have put all other sports to shame, that’s the kind of talent the country has. Snooker is a sport that originated in India and we should be proud about it.

Pillai: Things are changing, no doubt. But it takes a lot for a woman to pursue any sport in our country, needless to say about the plight of those playing a non-Olympic sport. Marriage and subsequent motherhood, makes it difficult for a woman to get back and train for competitive sport. However, my family’s support has been my greatest strength and motherhood, a blessing that I wouldn’t have had any other way.

Pillai: I discharge my duties as a mother, wife and daughter-in-law at home first and then hit the table to practice for a couple of hours. Earlier, I used to train for 7-8 hours a day; just like every other professional. Today, I don’t have that luxury of time and prefer quality over quantity. And as you can see, this approach has worked wonderfully for me.

Pillai: It does take a toll on your body, especially the C-section. Fortunately for me, I was back on the table within five months of my son’s birth and started competing at international levels. But, due to the diverse hormonal fluctuations after childbirth, the body tends to experience a reduced agility.

Pillai: At the onset of last year, a colleague jestingly remarked that my career was approaching its end. Yet, here I stand today, with the world championship crown. So, that was like a sweet reply to all the taunts; don’t you think!?

Pillai: I have incorporated yoga and stretching exercises into my fitness regime. Meditation plays a crucial role in maintaining my composure throughout the game. I am grateful to my yoga guru, Shubhanand Ji, for his invaluable guidance, as well as to my coach, Pramit Ramchandani. Over the past five years, I have been refining a distinct snooker technique; transforming my approach to the sport and it has made a significant impact.

Pillai: We Indians, per se, are crazy about the ‘yellow metal’. And you know how many times, I have had to settle for a silver?! It was very heart-breaking. Nevertheless, I bounced back for my supportive family. Especially my mother, who has been a pillar of support ever since I took up the sport. My husband too is a snooker player and therefore, understands the emotional upheaval of a sportsperson. He was there for me during my lean period.

Pillai: Sport builds character. It teaches you to take wins and losses just as gracefully. That’s something youngsters need to learn as nowadays they tend to give up quickly.