Pankaj Advani’s journey to the pinnacle of world billiards has been nothing short of extraordinary. After clinching his 28th world title at the IBSF World Billiards Championship in Doha on November 9, 2024, Advani's unparalleled skill and determination continue to amaze fans and players alike. His victory over England’s Robert Hall, with a scoreline of 4-2, was not only a testament to his relentless dedication but also a continuation of his remarkable seven-year streak of world championships, a run that began in 2016. Advani’s triumph comes after surviving the years of disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, a period that saw many sports and their athletes struggle to maintain form. Despite this, Advani’s consistency and resilience have propelled him to new heights, making him a true legend in the world of cue sports.
In an exclusive interview with *Sports Today*, Advani opened up about his career, the pursuit of excellence, and his vision for the future of snooker in India. When asked about his remarkable run of world titles, Advani reflected on how his accomplishments have shaped his approach to the sport. “This is what I’ve worked for,” he said, acknowledging the hard work and focus it took to get to where he is. “When I started my career in billiards and snooker, I never imagined I would win so much. It’s still not fully sunk in, but at the same time, I’m a long-term person. I don’t want to just win one or two big events and relax. Even after winning this championship, I feel there’s still so much more to work on—whether it’s refining my game, my mental approach, or reassessing my goals.”
A key part of Advani’s success, he credits, has been the guidance of his brother, Sree Advani, who is a sports psychologist and mind coach. Advani noted the importance of having the right mental framework for achieving sustained success. "We’ve taken years to achieve this," he explained. "Even though I may be winning, there’s always room for improvement. In fact, even during this championship, I wasn’t at my absolute best, but I’ve learned how to manage those days and still win.” Advani’s perspective on the game reflects a deep understanding of the mental and emotional challenges that athletes face. "In sport, you’re going to make mistakes. It’s not going to be a flawless performance every day. Tennis players don’t win 6-0, 6-0 every time. Once you accept that sport is full of uncertainty, you can still maintain peace and focus, trusting that you’ll do your best in the face of chaos."
He also shared his approach to competition, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome. “The simplest way to put it is to avoid thinking too much about the outcome,” Advani said. “Of course, before a major championship, it’s natural to wonder if you’ll win, but when I go to a championship, I go there with the intention to win. I set high standards for myself, and that’s not always easy. But the real challenge lies in how you manage your game, your opponents, and even the conditions you’re playing in. Everything—from your mindset and preparation off the arena to what you eat—affects your performance.”
Advani also discussed the perception of success and the importance of aiming high. "I don’t like it when people say someone won a bronze or silver medal," he shared. "We didn’t win bronze or silver. We settled for them. The goal is always gold. When you set your sights higher, your standards rise, and you push yourself further."
On the topic of snooker’s popularity in India, Advani expressed mixed feelings. “It’s up to the people of India, the media, and the authorities to celebrate the achievements of their champions,” he remarked. "I’ve made peace with the recognition I receive, but I do think there’s room for improvement. Other sports in India are thriving, and I believe people need to acknowledge that." Advani’s words reflect the nuanced relationship between sports recognition and the broader cultural and media landscape in India. While his achievements are significant, the visibility of non-mainstream sports like billiards often faces challenges compared to cricket or football.
Advani’s passion for his sport goes beyond personal accolades. He has a deep desire to contribute to the development of snooker in India. “I will compete in national and international events, but I want to do more for the sport in India. It deserves better visibility in the media and more television coverage. I believe young players should be given opportunities to showcase their skills.” Advani is also thinking beyond his playing career. “It gets tricky when you try to balance playing and administrative roles, but I would love to get involved in the administration of the sport,” he said. “As a player, I can see things from a different perspective, and I know what it feels like to not have enough opportunities. I want to ensure that more people get the chance to play and progress in snooker.”
Advani’s involvement in the sport’s administration would be a natural extension of his deep commitment to snooker’s future. His vision for the game in India is ambitious, seeking to provide not just exposure but also resources and structure for young talent to thrive. As the most decorated player in his field, Advani understands the challenges that lie ahead, but his confidence in the sport’s potential is unwavering. Through his sustained excellence, Pankaj Advani continues to be an inspiration to both his peers and the next generation of players, helping to reshape the future of snooker in India and beyond.
