Kolkata

Former world billiards champion and chief national coach Manoj Kothari, one of the most influential figures in Indian cue sports, died on Monday following a massive cardiac arrest at a hospital in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, a family member said. He was 67.

Kothari had been undergoing treatment at the Tirunelveli hospital for over a week and suffered cardiac arrest around 7.30 am. His cremation was held later in the evening near Tirunelveli.

He is survived by his wife, son Sourav Kothari — himself a former world billiards champion — and daughter Shreya Kothari.

A towering presence in Indian billiards for more than three decades, Kothari rose to international prominence after winning the IBSF World Billiards Championship in 1990, a landmark achievement that underlined India’s growing stature in the sport.

He added another major global title in 1997 by winning the World Doubles Billiards Championship, showcasing his longevity and consistency at the highest level.

After retiring from competitive play, Kothari played a pivotal role in shaping Indian cue sports as a coach and mentor. He served as the chief coach of the Indian billiards team from 2011 for over a decade, guiding several generations of players and overseeing multiple world and international titles during his tenure.

His influence was most evident in the career of his son Sourav, who grew up immersed in the sport. Beyond being a father, Kothari acted as a technical coach, strategist and disciplinarian, helping mould Sourav into a composed and methodical cueist capable of excelling on the world stage.

In recognition of his lifetime contribution to Indian sport, Kothari was conferred the prestigious Dhyan Chand Award in 2005. The honour was presented by then President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Paying tribute, Sourav said his father’s impact extended far beyond titles and trophies.
“His selfless service produced many players who went on to become champions of the sport. He was a living legend who inspired many lives,” he told PTI.
“We are returning tomorrow and there will be a mourning service in Kolkata,” he added.

Like father, like son

Sourav Kothari later emerged as one of India’s leading cueists over the past decade, winning multiple world and international titles.

He claimed his maiden world crown in 2018 under the World Billiards Limited (WBL) banner, and went on to win the IBSF World Billiards Championship in 2025, defeating multiple-time world champion Pankaj Advani in the final.

The Kolkata-based cueist has also won the Asian Billiards Championship, several national titles and medals at major international events.

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Together, Manoj and Sourav Kothari form the only father-son world champion pairing in any sport.