New Delhi, October 4 (Daily Kiran) : Wilson Jones, a name synonymous with billiards in India, played a pivotal role in bringing the sport into the spotlight. His impressive career is marked by numerous achievements that have left a lasting impact.
From a young age, Jones had a deep affinity for sports. Alongside playing hockey and cricket, he was also skilled at playing marbles. His fascination with billiards began when he watched his uncle play through a window, sparking a growing interest in the game. At just 17, Jones took up billiards seriously, dedicating himself to the sport while working in a factory during the day.
In 1949, Jones participated in his first national championship but faced defeat against T.J. Selvaraj. However, a year later, he turned the tables, claiming the national title by defeating Selvaraj. Over his career, he would become a national champion 12 times.
His consistent performance earned him a spot on the world stage. After setbacks in the 1951, 1952, and 1954 championships, Jones triumphed in 1958, becoming the first Indian to win the world billiards title.
Jones made headlines again in 1962 with another strong showing at the world championship, although he lost in the finals. He bounced back in 1964, securing his second world title without any mistakes in the championship match. After winning the national championship in 1967, he retired from competitive play and transitioned to coaching, mentoring players like Om Agrawal, Subhash Agrawal, and Ashok Shandilya.
His contributions to billiards were recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Arjuna Award in 1962, the Padma Shri in 1965, the Maharashtra Gaurav Award in 1990, and the Dronacharya Award in 1996. Wilson Jones passed away on October 5, 2003, leaving behind a rich legacy in Indian billiards.
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