Page 14 - BPCL Magazine_Vol 4_Issue 4_Oct-Dec_2025

MATCH THAT MADE HISTORY

Devendra Joshi: A Quiet Game That Echoed Forever

For Arjuna Awardee and billiards stunned defending world champion collected national titles, an Asian
icon Devendra Joshi, the match that Peter Gilchrist in the quarterfinals. Championship, and an Asian Games
defined his career was more than a Playing before an electric home medal. Yet he often says that the
sporting milestone, it was a moment crowd, Mr. Joshi built a strong matches he lost by a single point
that transformed belief into destiny. overnight lead and returned with taught him far more than the trophies,
remarkable composure to complete lessons in patience, resilience, and
Mr. Joshi’s sporting journey began
one of his most celebrated wins. emotional control.
outdoors as a young cricketer at
Matunga Gymkhana until his father But the true turning point came in the Since joining BPCL in 1994, he has
encouraged him to explore indoor semifinal against Australian great consistently acknowledged the
sports. That small nudge led him Robbie Foldvari, a player he had organisation’s unwavering support,
to the legendary world champion never beaten. A brief late-night visit crediting it for giving him balance,
Wilson Jones, under whose guidance from former Police Commissioner stability, and the freedom to pursue
billiards became not just a game, but Bishmaraj Bam, who spoke to him as excellence at the highest level.
a craft he would commit his life to. if his place in the final was already
Today, Mr. Joshi remains a source
By 1985, he had fully embraced the assured, shifted something within. The
of quiet inspiration. His message to
sport, and within six years he reached next morning, Mr. Joshi delivered a
young athletes is simple yet profound:
the Senior National final in his very masterful performance and defeated
talent may open the door, but only
first attempt, an early sign of the Foldvari for the very first time, earning
discipline, humility, and relentless
excellence that lay ahead. his place in the historic all-Indian final
dedication will carry you through it.
against Geet Sethi, the only one in
His breakthrough arrived at the
professional billiards history. By Mr. Deepak Jain,
1995 World Professional Billiards
CGM, Sports (HRS)
Championship in Mumbai, where he Through the years, Mr. Joshi has

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