Arvind Savur

About

Arvind Savur is a highly distinguished Indian cue sports athlete and coach, widely celebrated for his monumental contributions to billiards and snooker in India. Born in December 1941, Savur initially excelled in table tennis before transitioning to cue sports due to health and weight constraints. He emerged as a formidable competitor, known for his lightning reflexes, rapid style of play, and tactical sharpness, earning him the nickname 'Tornado Fats' within the national circuit. Over his illustrious playing career, he won multiple national accolades, securing the National Billiards Championship titles in 1967 and 1979, alongside the National Snooker Championship victories in 1976 and 1978. On the international stage, he was the first Indian cueist to reach the semi-finals of the World Snooker Championship, doing so in both 1972 and 1980.

Following his highly successful playing career, Savur transitioned seamlessly into coaching, establishing himself as one of India's premier mentors in cue sports. Operating from his residence in Malleswaram, Bangalore, he famously dedicated decades to providing free training, accommodation, and hospitality to emerging cue sports talents. His most notable protégé is the multi-time world champion Pankaj Advani, whom Savur spotted as a young prodigy in 1995 and carefully guided from his foundational years into international superstardom. He also coached other prominent figures like Chitra Magimairaj and served as the Indian Chief Coach during the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok in 1998. In recognition of his enduring excellence as an athlete and mentor, the Government of India honored him with the prestigious Arjuna Award for the 1978-1979 period and the Dronacharya Award in 2004.

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