Legends on the Baize: The Top 10 Indian Snooker Players of All Time
- Robin Alexander
- Dec 6
- 6 min read
Snooker in India has always had a unique charm. Long before the sport became globally televised, Indian cueists were already carving their legacy in billiards halls and national clubs. From world champions to rising modern stars, India has produced some extraordinary snooker talents who’ve made a mark not only nationally but also on the world stage.
In this detailed guide, we celebrate the top Indian snooker players of all time, diving deep into their achievements, playing styles, contributions, and the ways in which they shaped the story of Indian snooker.
Let’s begin the journey.
🇮🇳 A Brief Look at Snooker’s Rise in India
Snooker was born in India during colonial times, and ironically, the game thrived here even long after the British left. India’s cue-sport culture exploded through the 1970s to early 2000s, with legends like Geet Sethi, Pankaj Advani, and Yasin Merchant leading the charge.
Over the years, Indian players have dominated many amateur world championships and Asian competitions, earning respect in the global snooker community.
This list highlights the best Indian snooker players across generations — based on achievements, influence, longevity, and impact on cue sports.
Top 10 Indian Snooker Players of All Time
1. Pankaj Advani — The Undisputed King of Indian Cue Sports
If there’s one name synonymous with Indian snooker, it is Pankaj Advani. Often called The Golden Boy of Cue Sports, Advani has collected multiple IBSF World Snooker Championships, Asian titles, and an unparalleled tally of global billiards achievements.
Why He Tops the List
Only Indian cueist to win world titles in both snooker and billiards.
Known for smooth cue action, composure, and ruthless tactical intelligence.
Has inspired an entire generation of young snooker players.
Advani isn’t just one of the best Indian snooker players—he is perhaps the most accomplished cueist in India’s sporting history.
2. Aditya Mehta — India’s Modern Snooker Icon
Aditya Mehta brought India into the spotlight in professional snooker. He became the first Indian to reach the final of a ranking event (2013 Indian Open), marking a historic moment.
Career Highlights
Gold medal in snooker at the 2013 World Games.
Consistently ranked among the top professional players for several years.
A stylish potter with strong break-building ability.
His career faced a setback due to injury, but his impact on the sport remains significant.
3. Yasin Merchant — India’s First Professional Snooker Pioneer
Yasin Merchant was the first Indian to turn professional, opening doors for future stars. Known for his discipline and classic cueing technique, he became a three-time national snooker champion.
Legacy Notes
Represented India in professional circuits during the 1990s.
Served as a mentor to several younger players.
Helped shape India’s snooker training culture.
Merchant set the foundation for Indian snooker’s modern era.
4. Geet Sethi — The Maestro Who Ruled Multiple Cue Sports
Although Geet Sethi is best known for his billiards dominance, his contributions to snooker are deeply influential. Sethi competed in several global snooker events and brought immense recognition to cue sports in India.
Why He’s on This List
One of India’s greatest-ever cue athletes.
Exceptional cue control and unmatched longevity.
Motivated an entire generation to take up cue sports.
His presence elevated the overall quality of Indian cue sport culture.
5. Manan Chandra — The Fighter With a Never-Say-Die Attitude
Manan Chandra has been a long-time representative of India in international tournaments. A fierce competitor known for his mental strength, Chandra has performed consistently at the world amateur level.
Key Achievements
Multiple Asian Snooker Championship medals.
Represented India in team events and world championships.
Recognized for his tactical depth and endurance in long matches.
Chandra remains one of the most respected figures in Indian snooker.
6. Ishpreet Singh Chadha — India’s Rising International Force
One of the brightest modern talents, Ishpreet Singh Chadha has earned his place on the global stage through determination and precision play. In recent years, he has become one of India’s top performers in professional circuits.
Why He Stands Out
Strong break-building skills.
Rapid rise in European and Asian tournaments.
Seen as India’s next big hope in professional snooker.
Chadha represents the new era of Indian snooker — fast, fearless, and globally competitive.
7. Lucky Vatnani — Hyderabad’s Snooker Star
Lucky Vatnani has been one of India’s consistent performers in the international amateur scene. His fluid potting style and intuitive positional play make him a threat in any draw.
Career Highlights
Strong showings in European qualifiers.
Multiple Indian ranking titles.
Known for a fast-paced, attacking style.
Vatnani remains popular among Indian snooker followers for his technical skill.
8. Laxman Rawat — The Solid and Reliable Contender
Laxman Rawat has quietly built a strong reputation as an extremely dependable player, consistently delivering at both national and Asian levels.
Key Strengths
Calm temperament during high-pressure matches.
Multiple podium finishes in Asian championships.
Part of India’s snooker team in key international events.
Rawat is known for his precision and steady cueing technique.
9. Kamal Chawla — The Underrated Genius of Indian Snooker
Kamal Chawla’s career reflects persistence and passion. Over the years, he has represented India in several world championships and has produced memorable performances.
Achievements
Numerous appearances in IBSF World Snooker Championships.
Finalist in Asian championships.
Known for his maturity and tactical awareness.
Though underrated, Chawla is undoubtedly one of the best Indian snooker players of the last two decades.
10. Brijesh Damani — The Consistent Performer
Brijesh Damani has been a strong force in national snooker circuits. His calm demeanor and ability to grind long matches make him a standout competitor.
Key Highlights
Consistent performances in Indian ranking tournaments.
Represented India in multiple international championships.
Strong positional play and strategic approach.
He rounds off our list of top Indian snooker players thanks to years of dedication and excellence.
How These Players Shaped Snooker in India
India’s snooker story would not be the same without these players. Their collective contributions include:
✔ Bringing global attention to Indian cue sports
✔ Inspiring thousands of young players
✔ Establishing training systems and academies
✔ Winning international medals and recognition
✔ Building a fan base for snooker in India
Their legacy goes beyond the trophies—they built the foundation that future generations will stand on.
Rising Stars to Watch in Indian Snooker
The next wave of talent is already making noise:
Sourav Kothari – World Billiards champion now exploring competitive snooker formats.
Pushpender Singh – Known for strong national performances.
Anuj Uppal – Young and promising, with quick tactical development.
India’s snooker future looks bright.
Final Thoughts
Snooker in India may not yet be as mainstream as cricket or football, but its community is strong, dedicated, and constantly growing. Thanks to trailblazers like Pankaj Advani, Yasin Merchant, and Aditya Mehta, India has firmly established itself on the global snooker map.
The top Indian snooker players listed above have created history — and the next generation is already building on that legacy.
Whether you're an aspiring cueist, a sports fan, or someone curious about Indian snooker, this list offers a meaningful look into the legends who shaped the sport.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is the greatest Indian snooker player of all time?
Pankaj Advani is widely regarded as the greatest Indian cueist due to his unmatched number of world titles in both snooker and billiards.
2. Has any Indian won a world snooker championship?
Yes. Multiple Indian players, including Pankaj Advani, have won IBSF World Snooker Championships (amateur).
3. Who was the first Indian professional snooker player?
Yasin Merchant was India’s first pro snooker player, paving the path for others.
4. Who is the best modern Indian snooker player?
Aditya Mehta and Ishpreet Singh Chadha are leading names in professional circuits today.
5. How popular is snooker in India?
Snooker has a strong niche following with several clubs, academies, and national tournaments. India is considered a major force in cue sports globally.
Author Bio:
Dr. Robin Alexander is an MD Pathologist, passionate guitar enthusiast, and lifelong snooker fan. He combines medical precision with a love for music and sport. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
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