Carrom is a beloved game in India, enjoyed by both children and adults. This popular board game can be played by 2-4 players, offering an engaging experience as players attempt to pocket pieces. It’s not just the excitement of the game itself but also the joyful environment it creates, cherished by players nationwide.

Carrom has now gained international popularity, with global championships and tournaments giving skilled players a chance to shine. Since its recognition on the world stage, several individuals have significantly influenced the game. These are the top carrom players who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Carrom captivates millions around the globe with its mix of precision, strategy, and finesse. The best players elevate the game to an art form, each shot and move demonstrating their deep expertise. From local contests to international events, these carrom masters display a level of skill that leaves audiences amazed. In this article, we will highlight five prominent figures who have profoundly impacted the world of carrom.

List of Best Carrom Board Players

1- A. Maria Irudayam

A. Maria Irudayam, a distinguished carrom champion hailing from Chennai, India, was born in 1956. He has clinched the Indian national championship title nine times and secured the World Carrom Championship twice. In recognition of his contributions to the sport and his achievements, the Government of India awarded him the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1996. Irudayam has an impressive record in international carrom competitions and has been a key member of the Indian team, contributing to victories in events such as the ICF Cup in 1989 and 1997, the SAARC Carrom Championship spanning from 1997 to 1999, and the 1996 US Open International Carrom Tournament, among several notable events.

2- Rashmi Kumari

Rashmi Kumari, hailing from Bihar, India, is a distinguished international carrom player with a career that began in 1992 and has spanned over three decades. She has set a remarkable record with three World Carrom Championship titles and eleven National Championship titles, making her the most accomplished carrom player globally, in both men’s and women’s categories. Her journey in carrom started with a victory in the Sub-Junior National Championship in 1997, followed by numerous titles in Junior and Senior National Championships over the years. Rashmi has showcased remarkable prowess on the global platform, clinching the Carrom World Championship titles in Delhi (2000), Colombo (2012), and Langkawi (2022).

In addition to her competitive achievements, Rashmi has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Ambedkar Sports and Cultural Award, Swami Vivekanand Youth Award, and multiple accolades from the State Youth and Cultural Department of Bihar.

3- K. Srinivas

K. Srinivas, born in 1993, is widely regarded as one of the greatest carrom players ever. Hailing from Hyderabad, India, he achieved significant recognition by winning the 4th Carrom World Cup in the Maldives. As the Indian national carrom champion, Srinivas has secured numerous titles in both singles and doubles tournaments worldwide. Among his accolades is the men’s singles National Championship, for which he was honored by P. Nirmala, the women’s national carrom champion.

4- S. Ilavazhagi

S. Ilavazhagi, also referred to as S. Ilavazhaki, hails from Tamil Nadu, India, following in the footsteps of A. Maria Irudayam. Born in 1984, she has achieved remarkable success as a carrom player, securing the world championship title twice. Notably, she won the world championship in 2008 and finished as the runner-up in the women’s singles final in 2012, making her one of India’s premier carrom players on the international stage.

5- Prof. K. Srinivas

Prof. K. Srinivas, born on October 28, 1993, is a prominent Indian carrom player celebrated for his significant accomplishments in both national and international arenas. His victory at the 4th Carrom World Cup in the Maldives highlights his status as a leading figure in the sport. Srinivas has consistently demonstrated his talent by winning multiple titles in men’s singles and doubles events across the globe, showcasing his exceptional prowess and adaptability on the carrom board.

6- Chamil Cooray

Chamil Darshana Cooray Bulathsinghalage is a distinguished carrom player from Sri Lanka. Since 2004, he has been a prominent figure representing his country in the sport and has served as the captain of the Sri Lankan men’s carrom team. In the 2012 Carrom World Championship, Chamil achieved a notable sixth-place ranking in the men’s singles category. His career reached a pinnacle in 2016 when he won the World Carrom Championship in Birmingham and was appointed captain of the men’s team. Additionally, he made history as the first Sri Lankan to win the Swiss World League title, setting a record as the sole player to achieve this feat.

7- Nishanta Fernando (Sri Lanka)

Waduge Dinesh Nishantha Fernando is a prominent Sri Lankan carrom player who has achieved the status of World number one. In 2012, he made history by defeating Bharathi Dhasan of India to win the World Championship, becoming the first Sri Lankan to secure this individual title. Fernando’s impact transcends personal achievements; he played a vital role in the Sri Lankan team’s victory at the 2016 Carrom World Championship in England, a tournament featuring teams from fifteen nations.

8- Rashi Kumari (India)

Rashi Kumari is widely regarded as one of the top international carrom champions. She began her professional career in carrom in 1992 and has since achieved remarkable success, winning the World Carrom Championship three times—in 2012, 2014, and 2015. Additionally, she has been a key member of the Indian Carrom Women’s Team. Rashi has also been honored with multiple awards, including three consecutive cultural awards from the Bihar State Sports Department from 1995 to 1997.

9- Kajal Kumari

Born in 1999, Kajal Kumari is a distinguished Indian carrom player representing her country in international tournaments and working as an officer at Indian Oil. She made a historic achievement at the 2018 Carrom World Cup by becoming the first woman to win the overall combined Swiss League title, triumphing over the reigning champion, Chamil Cooray of Sri Lanka. This victory was a pivotal moment in her career and a landmark event in the world of women’s carrom.

10- B. Radhakrishnan

B. Radhakrishnan, hailing from India, has garnered recognition as a skilled Carrom player. His noteworthy performance at the third SAARC Carrom Championship in 1999, hosted in Malé, marked a significant milestone. Radhakrishnan showcased his prowess in the singles event, clinching an impressive fourth-place finish. Additionally, his adeptness and collaborative spirit significantly bolstered the Indian team’s triumph in the team event. His contributions not only highlighted his individual talent but also played a pivotal role in elevating India’s stature in the Carrom sporting realm.

11- R Arokiaraj

Renowned for his exceptional Carrom skills, R. Arokiaraj hails from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. He has left an indelible imprint in Carrom competitions at both national and international levels. Starting his journey as a champion in his city, his prowess soon garnered attention on the global platform. Notably, his remarkable display at the inaugural World Carrom Championship held in New Delhi in 1991 earned him significant accolades, clinching the Doubles championship alongside his partner A. Maria Irudayam and securing a runner-up position in the Singles category.

12- Ravivarman Sharmila

Ravivarman Sharmila, is a highly skilled Indian carrom champion from a Hindu Seli Dravida-Schedule Caste background. Born on April 23, 1981, in Chennai to a lower-income family, she began playing carrom at the age of 8 and quickly excelled in the game. By 11, she was selected for the 1992 Tamil Nadu Sub-Junior Carrom Team.

13- Saikumar Apoorva

Saikumar Apoorva, hailing from Hyderabad, holds the distinction of being the inaugural World Champion from the city. She currently holds the title of defending champion in women’s singles in the sport of Carrom. Apoorva’s journey in Carrom began at the age of 10, and since then, she has emerged victorious in various prestigious competitions including the International Carrom Federation Cup, Carrom World Championships, Carrom World Cup, and numerous state-level tournaments.

14- Irshad Ahmed Ansari

Irshad Ahmed Ansari, acclaimed as India’s reigning Carrom Champion, clinched the prestigious title after a hard-fought victory over Prashant More. Similarly, Ansari also secured the Carrom World Champion title and contributed to the triumph of his team in the 2019 Carrom Mini World Cup.

15- Parmi Nirmala

Parmi Nirmala, acclaimed as the Queen of Indian Carrom, stands out as one of the most accomplished players in the country. Her remarkable achievements in the sport speak volumes, boasting victories across various prestigious competitions including the All India LIC Champion, State Champion, Senior National, and Federation Cup.

Conclusion

In this compilation of the top 15 best Carrom players of all time, we’ve explored the remarkable journeys and achievements of individuals who have shaped the course of Carrom’s history. From icons like A. Maria Irudayam and Rashmi Kumari, who have dominated the national and international arenas, to rising stars like Kajal Kumari and Saikumar Apoorva, each player’s story is a testament to the passion, perseverance, and the sheer thrill of the game. As we celebrate the brilliance of these players, let their legacy inspire future generations to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence in the timeless game of Carrom.