Indian sports wrap, April 29: Veteran Indian golfer Vijay Kumar passes away
GOLF
Veteran Indian golfer Vijay Kumar dies
Veteran Indian golfer Vijay Kumar has died in his home town Lucknow due to a heart attack. He was 57.
The winner of the 2002 Indian Open and a four-time Order of Merit champion, Vijay was among the most accomplished and respected names in Indian professional golf.
Vijay turned professional in 1988. He dominated Indian domestic golf from the mid-1990s to the early part of the next decade with an illustrious career marked by numerous titles.
Vijay’s iconic triumph at the 2002 Indian Open remains a landmark moment in Indian golf. He is one of only nine Indian golfers to have won the Indian Open. Vijay also represented India at the Alfred Dunhill Cup 1999, played at St. Andrews in Scotland.
Widely admired for his skill, consistency, competitive spirit and exemplary conduct, Vijay inspired generations of golfers and contributed significantly to the growth of the sport in the country.
Kapil Dev, President, DP World Professional Golf Tour of India, said, “Vijay Kumar ji was one of the true stalwarts of Indian golf. His achievements, humility and commitment to the sport made him a role model for generations of golfers.
“His passing is a great loss to Indian golf, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”
-PTI
CRICKET
Super Kings Academy to continue across six centres in Chennai
The Super Kings Academy’s summer cricket coaching camp will continue in May at the six centres in Chennai, the Chennai Super Kings announced on Wednesday.
Super Kings Academy is a cricket coaching centre for boys and girls with state-of-the-art infrastructure and expert coaching.
An initiative by Chennai Super Kings, the Academy was launched in April 2022. Super Kings Academy has more than 45 centres operating across India, the USA, Australia and Canada.
The summer camp will be held from May 1 to 31.
In Chennai, the camp will be held at Thoraipakkam, Velachery (Guru Nanak College), Porur (Sri Ramachandra Medical College), Vanagaram (SV High School), Injambakkam (Akshar Arbol International School) and Ottiambakkam (MS Dhoni Global School).
All boys and girls aged six to 23 will be able to join the camp.
-Team Sportstar
CUE SPORT
Kothari defeats Advani to retain world billiards title
Sourav Kothari outclassed compatriot Pankaj Advani in a lop-sided final to retain the IBSF World Billiards Championship title in Carlow, Ireland.
The Kolkatan defeated the 19-time champion Advani 1133-477 in a lopsided three-hour final.
After the initial blues, the 41-year-old came up with a barrage of breaks to floor Advani. He had stupendous runs of 485, 121, 90, 241 and an unfinished 155.
“I wanted to do it again for my father. This one was for you, Dad,” he said after the final in memory of his father Manoj Kothari, who had passed away early this year.
“Obviously, it feels incredible to win the World title, and to defend it is even more special,” said Kothari.
The sizzling 485 in reply to his rival’s 141 early in the match set the tone.
If the 485, which culminated with a missed red pot to the centre pocket, wasn’t a hammer blow, the 121 and 90 breaks in quick succession, took the match away from Advani.
Trailing 224-700 with a little over an hour until the bell, the Bengalurean made a 64 before rushing an in-off to the top left-hand pocket.
Kothari punished that error with another silken-smooth 241 effort to take a whopping 941-288 lead.
Under pressure, Advani compiled a break of 119—which ended when he missed a thin in-off to the centre pocket—to reduce the deficit.
Kothari was not done yet as he came up with a flowing 155 before the bell went off.
-PTI
Published on Apr 29, 2026