NEW DELHI: India’s celebrated sporting icons will come together for the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA), hosted by the historic ‘City of Nawabs,’ Lucknow, on February 22, 2025.
Honouring the outstanding achievements and admirable grit of the nation’s top athletes, the prestigious TOISA will recognise excellence in its seventh edition this year.
The awards’ theme, #MoreSweatMoreGlory, pays homage to the indomitable spirit of the nation’s athletes and para-athletes across diverse sporting categories.
Below is the list of nominees for billiards:
Billiards / Snooker (Cue Sports)
Pankaj Advani
Date of Birth: 24 July 1985
Place of Birth: Pune
Sports: Billiards/Snooker
Major Achievements in 2024
– IBSF World Billiards Championship (individual 28th title)
Pankaj Advani, born on 24 July 1985 in Pune, India, is widely regarded as one of the greatest cue sports players of all time. He has won 28 World Billiards Championships, making him one of the most accomplished players in billiards. His dominance in both billiards and snooker has earned him accolades, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan award. In 2024, Advani secured his 28th IBSF World Billiards Championship title, continuing to cement his legacy in the sport.
Sanju Ahriwar
Place of Birth: India
Sports: Billiards/Snooker
Major Achievements in 2024
– Delhi State Junior Championship titles in both billiards and snooker
Sanju Ahriwar, hailing from India, is an emerging star in the world of billiards and snooker. In 2024, he won both the billiards and snooker Delhi State Junior Championship titles, showcasing his skills at a young age. Sanju has consistently demonstrated his potential in the domestic circuit, rising through the ranks in both sports. His future in cue sports looks bright as he continues to grow and improve his game.
Anupama Ramachandran
Date of Birth: 19 May 2002
Place of Birth: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Sports: Billiards/Snooker
Major Achievements in 2024
– Her first ranking event final on the World Women’s Snooker Tour at US Women’s Snooker Open
– Runner-up in the inaugural Mongolia World Cup of Women Snooker
– Senior Women’s Snooker Champion title
Anupama Ramachandran, born on 19 May 2002 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is a prominent player in women’s snooker and billiards. In 2024, she reached the final of her first-ranking event at the US Women’s Snooker Open, marking a major achievement in her career. Anupama also finished as the runner-up in the inaugural Mongolia World Cup of Women Snooker and claimed the Senior Women’s Snooker Champion title. Her impressive performances have made her one of the leading figures in Indian women’s snooker.
Natasha Chethan
Date of Birth: 20 Jun 2008
Place of Birth: Karnataka
Sports: Billiards/Snooker
Major Achievements in 2024
– IBSF World Under-21 Women’s Snooker Championship
– National Billiards and Snooker Championships
Ishpreet Chadha, born on 30 May 1996 in Mumbai, India, is a talented player in both snooker and billiards. In 2024, he achieved a career-defining victory over World Champion Luca Brecel, which marked the biggest win of his career. Ishpreet also made history by becoming the first Indian player since Aditya Mehta in 2013 to reach the semi-finals of a ranking event at the 2024 English Open. His achievements have positioned him as one of the promising players in the international snooker scene.
Ishpreet Chadha
Date of Birth: 30 May 1996
Place of Birth: Mumbai
Sports: Billiards/Snooker
Major Achievements in 2024
– Biggest win of his career over World Champion Luca Brecel
– First Indian player to reach a ranking event semi-final of 2024 English Open since Aditya Mehta in 2013
Ishpreet Chadha, born on 30 May 1996 in Mumbai, India, is a talented player in both snooker and billiards. In 2024, he achieved a career-defining victory over World Champion Luca Brecel, which marked the biggest win of his career. Ishpreet also made history by becoming the first Indian player since Aditya Mehta in 2013 to reach the semi-finals of a ranking event at the 2024 English Open. His achievements have positioned him as one of the promising players in the international snooker scene.
