Billiards, the latest teenage sensation
Young speak
By Jasleen Kaur

THE latest teenage sensation — after music, movies and cable TV — is billiards. The game that the kids enjoy every minute of, however, is a source of constant worry to their parents who feel that their children are wasting a lot of time, money and energy. This game has now become a betting activity for many. Students even skip their classes to play billiards. At present, there are 40 to 50 billiard clubs in Chandigarh out of which approximately 10 have pubs. Young people can be seen smoking and drinking at these places.

A study reveals that 70 to 100 persons visit pool clubs every day.These clubs charge anything from Rs 40 to Rs 100 per hour. The clubs generally have facilities for three games — billiards, which is mostly played by professionals, and snooker and pooling, which are preferred by amateurs because they are easy to learn.

Aman, a final year student of Khalsa College who loves the game, says that this is one of the best ways to pass time. He believes that playing the game reflects a person’s social status as only the rich played it in the past.

According to a club owner, morning is rush time as school and college students miss classes to come here. They go back after emptying their pockets.

Jasraj Singh, a regular player, says that in the absence of suitable means of entertainment in the city, billiards gives the people opportunity to pass their time. His parents, however, feel that it is a waste of time and money. They say that it restricts their son’s outdoor activities.

Pooja, student of a local college, feels that while some people come here to play, others come to see the crowd. She says that girls generally come with boys because the ones who come along become the target of eve-teasers.

Amarjit Singh is of the opinion that at least the game prevents children from going on gheris. He says that his elder son plays the game seriously and would like to enter the professional circuit.

Manoj, a local club manager, is of the impression that most people who visit his club know nothing about the game. He feels that it is an interesting and affordable source of entertainment.