Introduction
At just 19 years old, Khazima Mahboob Basha has etched her name in history as India’s Carrom World Champion, a feat that speaks volumes about her talent, dedication, and resilience. Her victory is not just a personal triumph but a fulfillment of her brother Abdul Rahman’s dream, who once aspired to win the same title. Coached by her father Mahboob Basha, Khazima’s journey is a story of passion, sacrifice, and unwavering determination.
Hailing from Chennai, the young champion hopes to use her success to renovate the coaching center where she honed her skills and to spread the sport of carrom across India and beyond. This article delves into Khazima’s inspiring journey, the challenges she faced, and her vision for the future of carrom.
A Childhood Steeped in Carrom
Khazima was introduced to carrom at a very young age, growing up in a household where the game was more than just a pastime—it was a way of life. Her father, Mahboob Basha, himself a passionate carrom player and coach, recognized his daughter’s potential early on.
Influence of Family: A Brother’s Dream Fulfilled
While Khazima’s father played a crucial role in shaping her career, her late brother Abdul Rahman was her biggest inspiration. A promising carrom player, Abdul dreamed of becoming a world champion. However, fate had different plans, and he couldn’t fulfill that dream. Khazima took it upon herself to carry forward his legacy, dedicating every game to his memory.
“Every time I sit at the carrom board, I feel my brother’s presence. This title is as much his as it is mine,” Khazima said after her historic win.
Her brother’s dream became the fuel that pushed her to train harder, compete fiercely, and never give up.
The Road to World Championship Glory
Rigorous Training and Early Struggles
Under her father’s guidance, Khazima’s journey to the top was far from easy. She practiced for hours every day, perfecting her strikes, developing strategies, and refining her mental strength. Unlike mainstream sports like cricket or badminton, carrom does not have extensive sponsorship or media coverage, making it financially challenging for aspiring players.
Despite these obstacles, Khazima never wavered. She competed in local, national, and international tournaments, steadily building a reputation as one of the most skilled and promising players in the game.
Her first major breakthrough came when she won the National Carrom Championship at just 16 years old, defeating seasoned players with remarkable composure. This victory set the stage for her international success.
Competing Against the Best in the World
The 2025 Carrom World Championship was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, featuring the best players from across the globe. The competition was fierce, but Khazima remained focused.
In the final match, she faced defending world champion Rashmi Perera from Sri Lanka, a formidable opponent known for her tactical play. In a nail-biting contest, Khazima showcased her exceptional precision, scoring crucial points with stunning flicks and strategic positioning.
With an incredible final strike, she sealed the victory, becoming the Carrom World Champion and bringing the title home to India.
A Champion’s Vision: Growing the Sport of Carrom in India
Revamping the Coaching Center
One of Khazima’s biggest dreams is to renovate the coaching center where she trained under her father’s guidance. The facility, though instrumental in her success, lacks modern infrastructure and resources.
“I want to create a better space for young players like me. We need proper training facilities, better boards, and structured coaching programs,” she emphasized.
With support from sponsors and the government, Khazima hopes to turn the center into a hub for carrom excellence, producing future champions.
Popularizing Carrom Nationwide
Despite its deep cultural roots in India, carrom is often overlooked in favor of other sports. Khazima wants to change that. She envisions:
- More school and college tournaments – Encouraging young students to take up the sport seriously.
- Increased media coverage – Highlighting carrom players’ achievements on television and social media.
- Sponsorship and funding – Attracting brands and investors to support carrom players financially.
- Grassroots training programs – Conducting workshops and camps in rural areas, where talented players lack access to proper coaching.
“Carrom is not just a recreational game; it’s a sport that requires immense skill and strategy. More people should recognize and support it,” she says.
Challenges in the World of Carrom
Despite her success, Khazima acknowledges the many struggles that carrom players face in India.
1. Lack of Funding and Recognition
Unlike sports such as cricket or badminton, carrom does not receive major corporate sponsorships or government backing. Players often have to finance their own travel, training, and tournament expenses.
Khazima’s victory might help bring attention to carrom and encourage authorities to invest more in the sport.
2. Limited Professional Opportunities
There are very few professional leagues or lucrative opportunities for carrom players. Even world champions struggle to make a living solely through the sport.
Khazima believes creating a structured professional league could change the landscape of carrom in India.
3. Gender Bias in Sports
As a young woman in sports, Khazima has had to break barriers and challenge stereotypes. While carrom is a game played equally by men and women, female players often receive less recognition and support.
Her success as a world champion is an inspiration for young girls aspiring to take up competitive carrom.
Reactions to Khazima’s Historic Victory
Praise from Legends and Public Figures
- Viswanathan Anand (Chess Grandmaster):
“Khazima’s achievement is a testament to India’s sporting talent. Just like chess, carrom requires immense strategy, and she has shown incredible skill and composure.” - Sachin Tendulkar (Cricket Legend):
“India has a new world champion! Congratulations to Khazima for making the country proud. Wishing her continued success.” - Anand Mahindra (Business Leader):
“This is the kind of achievement that deserves national recognition. Let’s support Khazima and carrom as a sport.”
Social media was flooded with messages from fans, celebrities, and fellow athletes, celebrating her historic win.
Recognition from Government and Sponsors
Following her win, there are reports that:
- The Tamil Nadu government is considering funding her coaching center.
- Corporate sponsors are interested in promoting carrom as a mainstream sport.
- The Sports Ministry of India might introduce a structured national carrom league.
If these initiatives materialize, Khazima’s dream of growing carrom in India could become a reality.
What’s Next for Khazima?
With a world championship title under her belt, Khazima has set her sights on even bigger goals:
- Defending her title – She wants to continue competing at the highest level and win multiple world championships.
- Expanding carrom globally – She aims to help develop the sport beyond South Asia, promoting it in Europe and the Americas.
- Training the next generation – She hopes to mentor young players, ensuring that India continues to dominate the global carrom scene.
“This is just the beginning. I want to keep pushing myself, improving my game, and inspiring others to take up carrom professionally,” she says.
Conclusion
Khazima’s journey from a young girl playing carrom in her father’s coaching center to becoming a world champion is nothing short of inspirational. She has not only fulfilled her brother’s dream but also set a new benchmark for Indian carrom.
Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, family support, and unwavering dedication. As she continues to grow the sport, mentor young players, and fight for greater recognition, Khazima is poised to become a legend in Indian sports history.
India has found its new carrom queen, and her journey is just beginning. 🚀 ALSO READ:-ICC Prosecutor Sees ‘No Real Effort’ by Israel to Probe Alleged Gaza War Crimes 2025