Wins & losses don't define me any more, says Sourav Kothari
Sourav Kothari
clinched the 2025 IBSF
World Billiards title
in Ireland, beating
in the final. This timed-format win comes 35 years after his father, Manoj Kothari, won the same title.
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In a chat with CT, the
Kolkata cueist
reflects on his twin world titles, life's lows, and more.
How did you discover your love for billiards?
When my father won the World Title in 1990, it was a national sensation – Doordarshan aired the final live over two days, and hundreds gathered at the airport to welcome him home.
I was just five then, too young to understand it all, but something clicked. I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps. I wasn't allowed in the billiards rooms at that age, so I turned a passage in his bedroom into a makeshift table, used half a cue and tennis balls to mimic his shots.
My mother was also the West Bengal ladies' state billiards and snooker champion – so I guess I was destined to fall in love with it.
What's your mantra for staying focussed and dealing with negativity in a sport like billiards?
For me, meditation and focus are lifelong practices, especially in a sport like billiards, where concentration and sharp eyesight are musts. I've realised that negative people – those uncomfortable with your success – will always be around.
At one point, I used to take it personally, but over time, I've learned to pick my battles.
'Not every comment deserves my energy,' I tell myself now. A lot of this calm comes from my father, who taught me to value forgiveness over confrontation. True meditation, to me, is about mental discipline – staying focussed, rising above the noise, and being able to sleep in peace.
Did 2012 mark a turning point in your journey?
In 2012, after disappointing results, I was almost about to quit. I felt lost, but my father's words changed everything: 'Who gave you the right to make that decision? He reminded me that talent is a gift, and my worth can't be defined by wins or losses.
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Despite wanting to walk away, I returned to practise the next day. That moment transformed my career, leading to multiple titles, including the World title win in 2018. It was my father's belief, and my mother's quiet strength, that carried me through.
Sourav's father Manoj Kothari with the IBSF trophy in 1990
My parents' belief carried me through my dark times. With hard work & faith, you can turn things around :
Sourav
I don't have a special someone yet. But maybe a kind-hearted CT reader might fancy a coffee with me? :
Sourav
I love Bengali films.
Jeet is one of my favourites. I admire Srabanti too for her talent and screen presence :
Sourav
'It's more about the process now'
Sourav says he has grown immensely between his 2018 and 2025 world titles. 'Back then, I was obsessed with winning,' he reflects, adding, 'But now, I've realised that while I may not always be at my best, it's important to keep showing up.' For him, it's no longer about the scoreboard but about the process – daily training, small improvements, and enjoying the grind.
'I now play with freedom and belief,' he adds.
'I might lose, but I'll never be defeated'
Sourav believes success & failure are both part of life. 'Failure makes you value your wins. As I say, I might lose, but I'll never be defeated. I may not be the brightest in the room, but I know I'll burn longer than most. It's this perspective that takes the pressure off and keeps me grounded,' says Sourav.
Sourav with his IBSF trophy
'I wore the same shirt on all days of the competition'
When it comes to superstitions, Sourav's habits tend to change with each tournament.
'During back-to-back tournaments, including the
IBSF World Billiards
title, I wore the same white shirt every single day,' he laughs, adding, 'I wore it on day one, felt good in it, and since I wasn't sweating, I wore it again on day two.' He admits, 'I couldn't let go of it, so for all 12 days of competition, I wore the same shirt. Thankfully, it was laundered once!'
Pix:
Anindya Saha
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