India is hosting the 2010 IBSF World Billiards Championship. This will take place in Pune (Maharashtra), India from 20 – 28 August 2010.

Pune is the eighth largest city and eighth largest metropolis in India, and the second largest in the state of Maharashtra, after Mumbai. Pune is also known as ‘Punya Nagari’ which means Holy City, once the capital of the Maratha Empire, and now one of the largest cities in India, and as a result of its many colleges and universities, Pune is emerging as a prominent location for IT and manufacturing companies to expand.

As per the 2001 census of India, the population of the Pune urban agglomeration is 3,529,900. Growth in the software and education sectors has led to an influx of skilled IT guys and students from across India. Pune has a tropical wet and dry climate with average temperatures ranging between 20 to 28 °C (68 to 82 °F) and August would be a good outing time in Pune. Marathi is most widely spoken language, while Hindi and English are understood and spoken very well.

Today, Pune is known for its educational facilities, having more than a hundred educational institutions and nine universities, and Pune has well-established manufacturing, glass, sugar and forging industries since the 1950-60s. Pune is also known for various cultural activities like classical music, spirituality, drama, sports, and literature. These activities and job opportunities attract migrants and students from all over India and abroad, which makes for a city of many communities and cultures.

Pune Airport is an international airport at Lohegaon which is nearly 10 kms from the Venue. Though India’s second largest airport, Mumbai Airport, is nearest to Pune.

The local currency is Rupee. There are lots of banks and Financial Institutions where you can change money but bring your passport as Identity.

Championship: Traditionally rich sport Billiards saw first World Championship under IBSF in the year 1926, which was won by Joe Earlam of England. Since then IBSF conducting this championship in time format almost every year. In the year 2000, IBSF introduced the shorter version of Billiards i.e. Point Format (initially 50 up format, which was later modified as 150up). The last edition of IBSF World Billiards Championship was also held in India in the year 2008, in which India’s Pankaj Advani lifted the double crown defeating his country-mate Geet Sethi and Devendra Joshi in Point and Time format respectively.

This year, the championship (Time format & Point Format) is being played in PYC Hindu Gymkhana Club in Pune (India). The Club itself a high-end club with various features to facilitate its’ members. The venue has a capacity of 12 match tables and 4 practice tables and around 200 spectators can be accommodated. Also some social nights are being planned during the event such as Cocktails & Dinners, Hills Stations in close proximity, Historical Forts etc.

This year’s IBSF World Billiards championship has two new features.

• It is planned to organize Exhibition match of Billiards between India v/s. Rest of World after the final of Point format event.
• India is also starting its National Billiards and Snooker championship same time with IBSF World Billiards championship, so that the maximum number of young talents can also see World Championship matches live and learn the skills of Billiards. This will serve a purpose to educate and to promote billiards sports.

Accommodation will be provided at the Venue i.e. PYC Hindu Gymkhana Hotel, Pune at the rate of 90 USD per night for a Double Room, or 80 USD per night for a Single Room.

Precautions to be taken

• Players and officials are requested not to travel with any sort of illness, which may prompt Indian health officials to quarantine and confine them to hospitals.
• Adequate measures are being taken for safety of all the players and officials. All the hotels and venue are equipped with Scanners and are under surveillance of the vigilance officers and state police network.
• Players are requested to keep the secretariat of the host association officer allotted to your hotel on your movements and avoid going alone.
• For any site tours you may request the host association for proper guidance and arrangements.
• Do not carry any unwanted equipment or luggage to the venue as several political dignitaries and celebrities are expected to witness the event. The security may not allow additional gear.
• Always wear and display your identity card (provided by the Host Association upon arrival). Without Identity Card you will not be allowed inside the Venue and host association will not be able to recommend you to the security officers.
• Read and make yourself understand the do’s and don’t’s list provided (on arrival) along with your information pack.
• Your luggage and valuables are your responsibility and host association will not be responsible for safe keeping of the same and you are requested to use the safe vault facility available at your hotel and do not trust your valuables to any one.
• Please read carefully all the Instructions, Formats & Rules, Shuttle Service Timings and other material provided to you along with your information pack and if any clarifications, you may contact the Tournament Office or Secretariat available at the venue.
• Please cooperate and assist with the security and tournament officials.