Kalimpong’s Bhanu Pradhan Clinches Invitational Snooker Championship 2026 Title
Cue sports are steadily gaining ground across the Eastern Himalayan region, and the conclusion of the Invitational Snooker Memorial Championship 2026 marked another important moment for the sport in North East India and North Bengal. The tournament, held over six days in Gangtok, brought together some of the region’s most promising snooker players and concluded with a closely contested final that highlighted both technical excellence and sporting discipline.
The championship final saw Kalimpong’s Bhanu Pradhan emerge victorious against Vishal from Kurseong, earning the top honour in a tournament that combined competitive intensity with a strong sense of remembrance and community.
A Tournament Held in Memory
The Invitational Snooker Memorial Championship 2026 was organised in loving memory of Late Sita Devi Sharma, whose name the event commemorated. Organisers stated that the championship was conceived not only as a competitive sporting event but also as a tribute aimed at fostering discipline, focus, and respect—values closely associated with cue sports.
Matches were hosted at The Q Club in Gangtok from January 14 to January 19, with players participating from across North East India and North Bengal. Over the course of the tournament, spectators witnessed tightly fought frames, tactical safety play, and impressive breaks, reflecting the growing standard of snooker in the region.
High-Quality Final Between Regional Rivals
The final match featured Bhanu Pradhan of Kalimpong and Vishal of Kurseong, two players well known within regional cue sports circles. Both finalists displayed composure under pressure and maintained a high level of shot selection and control throughout the encounter.
Observers noted that the final was played in a competitive yet respectful atmosphere, with both players acknowledging good shots and maintaining professional conduct on and off the table. Bhanu Pradhan ultimately secured the title after capitalising on key scoring opportunities, demonstrating consistency and tactical awareness at crucial moments.
Speaking after the final, a tournament official remarked, “The final truly reflected the purpose of this championship. It was competitive, dignified, and inspiring for younger players who aspire to take up snooker seriously.”
Prize Structure and Recognition of Skill
The Invitational Snooker Championship featured a structured prize system designed to reward not only match wins but also individual skill and performance milestones. The winner received a cash prize of ₹1,50,000 along with the championship trophy, while the runner-up was awarded ₹80,000 and a trophy.
Semi-finalists were also recognised for their performance, receiving ₹10,000 each. In addition, special prizes were announced to encourage high-scoring play, including awards for the highest break of 50 or more and for century breaks achieved during the tournament.
Organisers stated that such incentives are important for motivating players to focus on technical improvement and consistency, especially in a sport where patience and precision are essential.
Growing Interest in Cue Sports in the Hills
The successful completion of the Invitational Snooker Championship reflects a broader trend of increasing interest in cue sports across hill towns such as Kalimpong, Kurseong, and Gangtok. Local clubs and academies have reported a rise in young players taking up snooker and billiards, inspired by regional tournaments and improved access to training facilities.
Sports administrators believe that regular competitive exposure is crucial for players from smaller towns, who often lack opportunities to compete at a national level. Events like this championship provide a platform for talent identification and help players gain confidence through structured competition.
A senior cue sports enthusiast present at the event noted, “What we are seeing now is a more disciplined approach to the game. Players are studying techniques, focusing on fitness and mental strength, and taking tournaments seriously as stepping stones to higher levels.”
Community Support and Organisation
The Invitational Snooker Championship tournament was made possible through coordinated efforts by organisers, club management, and volunteers, who ensured smooth scheduling and adherence to competitive standards. Spectators from the local community and visiting supporters added to the atmosphere, underscoring the role of community engagement in sustaining niche sports.
Organisers also highlighted the importance of maintaining transparency and fairness in officiating, stating that certified referees and standardised rules were followed throughout the championship to maintain credibility.
Looking Ahead
With the conclusion of the Invitational Snooker Championship 2026, attention now turns to how such tournaments can be expanded in the coming years. Players and officials alike have expressed hope that similar events will be organised regularly, potentially rotating across different hill towns to widen participation.
For Bhanu Pradhan, the victory represents both personal achievement and a moment of pride for Kalimpong’s sporting community. For the region as a whole, the championship serves as evidence that cue sports are steadily carving out a space alongside more traditional athletic disciplines.
As interest continues to grow, sustained investment in infrastructure, coaching, and competitive platforms will be key to ensuring that talented players from North East India and North Bengal can progress to higher stages. The 2026 championship has set a strong precedent, combining competitive excellence with a meaningful tribute, and leaving the cue sports community optimistic about the future.
