2010 IBSF World Billiards inaugurated

2010 IBSF World Billiards Championship inaugurated here in PYC Hindu Gymkhana Club at Pune. There was a gathering of around 300 people including players, officials, media, volunteers and sports lovers.

Tournament Director, Derek Sippy welcomed all players and officials, who are taking part in the championship, and invited the Chief Guest Dr. P.D. Patil, Chancellor, D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth and other dignitaries on dais to start the proceedings. Salil Deshpande, the Tournament secretary presented bouquet to Chief Guest and all VIPs present on the dais.

Dr. Patil then wished all the players and expressed happiness for organizing the event in the city of Pune. He thanked players and officials for their visit in Pune to take part in the championship and hoped that foreign players would also enjoy food, culture and hospitality of Pune and India.

Guest of Honour, Mr. S.K. Jha, Commissioner Income Tax also praised the preparation done for the championship and congratulate Organizing Committee for their hard work. He wished the event a great success.

Chief Guest and other dignitaries then lighten the lamp and announce the championship open.

A dance program on eastern and western dance style was performed by Dance and Cultural group. This was followed by a dance program performed by a trained group displaying amalgamation of traditional martial arts of ancient maratha (an art used for own safety and to act as a warrior). The act mesmerized everyone present in the venue.

At last, Chief Guest Dr. Patil released the souvenir on 2010 IBSF World Billiards Championship. This was followed by cocktail and dinner and I joined there too with my team :)