Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his heartfelt congratulations to legendary billiards player Pankaj Advani for his remarkable achievement of securing the 2024 World Billiards Championship. This triumph marks Advani’s 28th world title, solidifying his status as one of the most decorated cueists in the sport’s history.
Advani’s victory came at the IBSG World Billiards Championship held in Doha, Qatar, where he faced off against England’s Robert Hall in the final. With his exceptional skills and unwavering determination, Advani emerged victorious with a 4-2 scoreline. This win also marks his seventh consecutive world title in billiards, a testament to his unparalleled dominance in the sport.
In a tweet, PM Modi lauded Advani’s “dedication, passion, and commitment,” highlighting his unwavering pursuit of excellence. He further stated that Advani’s success serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, encouraging them to strive for greatness.
Advani’s achievements extend beyond the World Billiards Championship. He has also secured two prestigious Asian Games gold medals in singles competition, at the 2006 Doha and 2010 Guangzhou editions of the event. His remarkable career has been marked by numerous accolades and recognition, including the Arjuna Award in 2004 and the Padma Shri in 2009.
The International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) announced Advani’s victory on November 9, 2024. In a statement, the IBSF praised Advani’s exceptional performance, noting that he had defeated Robert Hall in a thrilling final. Singapore’s Peter Gilchrist and India’s Sourav Kothari shared the joint bronze medal in the championship.
Advani’s triumph is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the sport and his relentless pursuit of excellence. His achievements have not only brought glory to India but have also inspired countless young athletes to follow in his footsteps.