Chandigarh, India – December 6, 2025:
The Joy Heyball International Open – India Stop, the first event of its kind in Indian cue sports and one of the largest tournaments ever hosted in the country, was officially inaugurated today at the Hockey Stadium, Chandigarh. The landmark championship has drawn over 300 participants across categories, all competing for a USD 50,000 prize purse.
Headlining the international field are World No. 1 Jack Whelan (Great Britain) and World No. 4 Jason Theron (South Africa). They are joined by India’s leading cueists, including Amee Kamani, Shivam Arora, Sundeep Gulati, and Kamal Chawla, alongside a strong contingent of players from the UK, South Africa, the USA, Canada, Egypt, and India.
Hosted under the auspices of the World Pool-Billiards Association (WPA) and the Billiards & Snooker Federation of India (BSFI), the opening ceremony was attended by an esteemed panel of dignitaries.
The WPA was represented by Mr. Ishaun Singh, President, who presided over the ceremony as the Chief Guest. Joining him were Mr. Sunil Bajaj, Secretary-General, BSFI, and Mrs. Ashwini Puranik, Vice President, BSFI.
Additional guests included Mr. Mahender Singh, Joint Director, Sports Department, Chandigarh Administration, and Ms. Pinky Singh, both present as Guests of Honour. The event also welcomed Mr. Anand Chibbar, President, Chandigarh Billiards & Snooker Association, and Mr. Shivam Arora, Founder & CEO of Apex Sports Promotion, the tournament’s managing partner on behalf of JOY Billiards.
Competition began on Sunday, December 7, featuring open, women’s, and U-14 divisions. Matches are being played using the international Heyball handicap system, ensuring balanced competition across age and skill groups. The tournament will conclude with the finals on Saturday, December 13.
Part of the World Heyball Tour, powered globally by JOY Billiards, the event highlights Heyball’s rapid rise as one of the world’s fastest-growing professional cue sports. Modern, dynamic, and deeply rooted in the precision of traditional 8-ball, Heyball continues to expand its global footprint through major international stops such as this.
The WPA congratulates the organizers, participants, and partners for bringing this historic event to India and wishes all competitors the very best in their campaign for the title.
