I am excited, scared and overwhelmed to be the 1st person from the state of Karnataka to head this prestigious National Sports Federation. I am scared because, I know what it means to step into the shoes of my predecessor Capt Mohan for its expectations and challenges. Luckily BSFI always had a strong foundation in the hands of B.K Roy to M.M Begg to P.N Roy. Then a structure was built in the last decade with Capt Mohan at the helm of affairs, with the flood of activities.
I acknowledge and appreciate the good work of the outgoing committee. The number of tournaments held by BSFI during this period and the viewership escalation through the Indian Open is a testimony for all the efforts. The clout of India in the cue sports world has gone manifold. I am very proud of the Indian Open since I was involved in all the 5 editions. The fund raising efforts of all my colleagues in the previous committee has been excellent. Capt Mohan deserves a special mention for funding BSFI whenever there was a need.
Some of our players have expressed different views with regard to holding of Indian Open. Instead of asking “What’s in it for me” – if they ask “What’s in it for the game”, I am sure all the queries would be answered. BSFI is very conscious about Indian Open and its benefits to the game
On one side we are looking at a top down approach for the game, develop suitable programmes, create templates and work on a funding mechanism to raise the level of the game. In China players are turning professional at 14. On the other side during my tenure, we shall focus on the game at grass root level, invite foreign coaches, encourage the talented to Cue School, make available more Star Tables across the country to benefit our players, more domestic tournaments and revival of Cue Slam.
I look forward to the support of the outgoing Hon Secretary Bala for continuity, help and guidance of Capt Mohan for more ambitious projects. As Cue Sports fraternity has a good bonding, there’s no looking back.
Lets together bridge the gap between the standards and develop more top notch players in India.
Best Wishes,
M.C.Uthappa
President – Billiards & Snooker Federation of India
