The Al-Hikmah centre hosted the first ever IMWS carrom competition last month, with around 30 entrants.
The event which was held in an IMWS conference room attracted a strong crowd, as spectators saw highly skilled participants duke it out on the carrom board.
Despite the close competition, the 15 contestants vying for the crown of IMWS carrom champion were whittled down to just two as Muzaffar Pathan and Ebrahim Waza made the final.
The best-of-three final was a nail biting affair. In a see-saw match both Waza and Pathan fought gallantly with Waza taking the lead.
But Pathan fought back to make it all square to set up a nail-biting finale. The final game saw a drawn out battle between the two as neither man gave an inch to his opponent.
However after a protracted game lasting over 20 minutes Pathan completed a superb comeback to defeat his opponent, being crowned the IMWS carrom champion.
Shahed Mayet who oversaw the event said: “It was a very successful event.
“All the players were very skilful and showed great enthusiasm, they all wanted to win and they all showed great sportsmanship.”
At the end of the competition held on 24 August, trophies were presented by Mohammed Mulla, Chair of IMWS and elected member Aziz Daji.
Mr Mulla stated a desire for a carrom competition to be held every year. “It’s going to be an annual event now,” he said.
R-L: Aziz Daji, Muzzaffar Pathan, Mohamed Mulla (chair), Ebrahim G Karolia, Ebrahim Waza
Ebrahim G Karolia who co-ordinated the event said: “It went well, everybody enjoyed themselves.”
A lot of participants are eager to play again and were already asking when the next tournament would be held.
“People are interested [in carrom]. They were asking when we’re going to hold the next event,” said Mr Karolia.
The tournament featured five carrom boards which were lent by local people. Mr Karolia says, “A big thank you to those who lent us their carrom boards.
“The event was really well organised by the IMWS, so jazakallah to them and to Shahed who helped oversee proceedings, also a big thank you to all who participated and came to watch the event.”
Carrom is a strike and pocket game that retains a great deal of interest in south Asia.
