‘Take the shots’: How Sikhi forged Raj Hundal into a champion- on and off the pool table
Raj Singh Hundal is a professional Pool Player and former World Champion in the sport. Most famous for winning the 2005 World Pool Masters as an underdog, Raj Singh became the youngest world champion in pool history and went on to become a highly decorated and respected competitor in his sport. With this experience, Raj Singh has launched the Premier Billiard League to provide a new avenue for both competitors and fans of the sport. One of the few world champion Sikh sportsmen in history, Raj Singh spoke to Sikh PA sevadaar (selfless servant) Ajai Singh about how Sikhi has helped him through his career.
This article is the work of freelance journalist Ajai Singh. Learn more about him at-
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Q: Thank you Raj for speaking to us. Firstly, how has the pandemic been for you?
Raj: Thank you for this interview. Like a lot of people, this period has been incredibly challenging. For example, me and my team put a huge amount of blood, sweat and tears into setting our new Pool League, the Premier Billiard League (the PBL). We had put in all the groundwork and had venues booked. We were close to announcement and were due to launch, but COVID 19 had hit us. Due to the international reach of the PBL, teams of people were flying in from Europe, Asia and USA. With countries all being at different positions in terms of COVID 19, how on earth do we fly in all these people? However, everyone involved were thankfully understanding that we have to adapt to these constraints.
Despite the challenges, it is clear that this is an exciting time for you and the PBL. I want to rewind back many years ago to your childhood. What was that like?
My childhood was quite challenging. There were three families living in one house and my mum was incredibly hardworking. When I was about six-years-old, I would go to the restaurant where my mum worked (with very little or no pay) after school. Although that would not happen nowadays, there was such an immense sense of community that it was safe enough to walk alone. People would ask about my mum and dad as well as check on my welfare.
Despite the challenges life put before me, I would go into the storeroom of the restaurant where there was a pool table. I would close the door and play at any opportunity. It was my sanctuary.
So how did you transition to playing pool more competitively?
Well, at six, even my family were finding it difficult to beat me! I was taken by my dad to the local snooker club in Hounslow where I would play pool with the adults. I’d have to stand on milk crates to see over the tables!
One thing I would never forget about playing there was what the manager said to me: ‘I’ve seen your talent.’ At six-years-old.
By thirteen, I was one of the UK’s top junior players, competing alongside and beaten some of the best players including Mark Selby and Sean Murphy.
Moving up the ranks did come with its challenges. Being the only Indian person playing at that level was not easy. People pointed out that I looked different in a sport where an Indian, let alone a Sikh in a dastaar (Sikh turban) was not usually seen. This was adults saying this to a child.
You are the only ever Indian origin player to play at the highest levels of pool. Your biggest achievements include winning the 2005 World Pool Masters and you even represented Europe at the 2005 Mosconi Cup. How did Sikhi influence your perspective on victory, failure and your journey as a whole?
My mother gave me the greatest gift when I was five. The Mool Mantar (root mantra, reference to a Sikh prayer). She told me to recite it every day and it would support me in whatever challenges I would face.
I grew up with very little. My mother would often remind me of the meaning of my full name Rajbir which has connotations of bravery. I knew I would have to be the one to provide a better life for my family.
Sikhi has also taught me to live my life in the present. There is not much you and I can do to change outcomes. It is all in Guru ji’s Hukam (command/order).
I have also improved my lifestyle. I stopped eating meat and drinking alcohol a couple of years ago. I feel a lot calmer about myself since.
In terms of my game, I always come out with drums playing; it makes me feel as if I am going into a battle. I have that warrior mind set. I grew up listening to tales about Great Sikhs such as Banda Singh Bahadur Ji and Baba Deep Singh Ji. I will always need Sikhi to guide me through my life.
Having a career in sports is not usually supported by parents in our culture. What was that conversation with your parents like when you decided to embark on playing pool professionally?
My mum and dad actually replied ‘Don’t be good. Be great!’.
By this point, I had walked out of school. My head of year in Sixth Form actually told me that he did not want to see me in school anymore as he felt I was wasted here. I had played live on Sky Sports a few days before so I was talk of the school. I felt as if my life was on such a trajectory, that I no longer needed school and I was well supported in that by my parents.
Ironically, I was once told by my teachers that I would not amount to anything. Now the same teachers ask me to come back and share my stories.
You have spoken publicly before about the dark side of sports. How has Sikhi guided you to confront that?
I no longer work with certain promoters. Unfortunately, many pool players get trapped in contracts that are unfair both personally and financially. There is certainly a culture of ‘use and abuse’ when it comes to the stars of the game, let alone up and coming players.
As a Sikh in the game, I looked unique. Hence, I had a large and interesting following. Actually, I was once told by a famous old East London promoter that he wishes he had me as a boxer and not a pool player so we could make loads of money. I told him “No chance, I’d rather sign with Golden Boy!”
As a result of the kind of greed that exists in the industry, I set up the PBL which values up and coming players and has high standards of ethics. I have things to prove to people; children to inspire; being my own boss, to name a few. There is no limit to where the PBL will go. I want it to be what the IPL is to cricket. The lack of conformity and our rebelling against the ills of the industry, in my view are very Sikh concepts. I played with heart and became a crowd favourite very early in my career.
There is a new wave of energy that I have. Not only am I more spiritual and healthier, my seva (selfless service) doesn’t just end at the PBL. I want to set up youth centres in my retirement to nurture the next generation.
Finally, you have had a challenging ascent to the success you now enjoy. What single piece of advice would 39-year-old Raj give to 5-year-old Raj?
Chin up. Take the shots. The 39-year-old is alright. Put your heart in everything you do.
Learn more about the Premier Billiard League here.
You can follow Raj Hundal on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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