Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru Feb 26: Marking a historic milestone of 125 years, the Mangalore Cosmopolitan Club—one of the pride symbols of the port city with a legacy dating back to the British era—has organized a grand State-Level Invitational Billiards and Snooker Championship at its premises in Bavutagudda.
Inaugurating the tournament, Club president A Sadananda Shetty said that the club, established in 1901, is not merely a building but a living testimony to Mangaluru’s rich social and sporting history. “Completing 125 years is no small achievement. Over the decades, the club has contributed significantly to educational, health, and social sectors. We hope this championship inspires young sportspersons,” he said.
Tournament chairman and vice president Rajagopal Rai, in his introductory address, highlighted that the club has grown steadily since the British period and houses billiards tables with over a century of history. “Many national and international players have emerged from this soil. For this edition, we have invited talented players from across the state. It is a matter of pride that such a large-scale snooker tournament is being held in Dakshina Kannada district for the first time. Fourteen reputed state and national-level players are participating in the championship,” he noted.
State No 1 player Shaun Davis expressed his gratitude, stating that playing in such a historic club is an honour. He pointed out that cue sports like snooker often face a lack of sponsorship, and appreciated the club for supporting players by organizing the tournament as part of its 125th year celebrations.
Vice president Suresh Chandra Shetty extended his wishes for the successful conduct of the event, seeking divine blessings for the smooth completion of the championship.
Tournament highlights
The championship is being held from February 20 to March 1, with the qualifying rounds commencing on February 25. Fourteen renowned national-level players, including B Bhaskar, M Yogeesh, B C Karthik, and Keerthi Pandya, are competing in the tournament.
Club secretary M C Shetty, treasurer Devicharan Shetty, sports secretary Yogeesh Kumar, and office-bearers Ramraj Rai, Manoj, Pradeep, Prasad Rai Kallimar, P V Hegde, Uday Shankar Rai, and others were present during the inauguration. Chandrahass Bala rendered an invocation at the beginning of the programme.