The Indian carrom team’s triumph at the World Cup in San Francisco, USA, was a momentous occasion, marking a homecoming of champions on Wednesday. While K Srinivas and M Khazima claimed the men’s and women’s individual titles in thrilling fashion, it was World Champion Rashmi Kumari who sang praises of their performances, admiring the skill and determination displayed by the winners.
K Srinivas, after trailing 16-20, executed a spectacular white slam to clinch the men’s title. Rashmi Kumari, a seasoned champion with 12 national titles and three World titles to her name, expressed her admiration for Srinivas’s flawless finish. “It was a great finish,” she said, impressed by his performance.
Srinivas himself acknowledged the brilliance of Mohd. Arif, who executed nine slams throughout the tournament, helping him finish with a slam and an unbeaten performance. “It was satisfying to win with such style, not giving my opponent any chance,” Srinivas remarked.
Seventeen-year-old M Khazima, a first-year student at Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College in Chennai, captured the women’s singles crown in a nail-biting match against Rashmi, winning 25-23, 22-25, 25-24. Khazima also won the doubles title with V Mithra, adding to her impressive list of achievements. She credited her success to rigorous training and support from her family and former World Champion Maria Irudayam. “I practiced 12 hours a day to prepare for this World Cup,” Khazima said.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Khazima’s thoughts turned to the development of her home city’s carrom facilities. She expressed her desire to improve the Chennai Nagar Carrom Coaching Centre, which has produced numerous national champions, including her brother. The facility is often affected by flooding during the rains, limiting its potential. Khazima intends to meet the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to discuss these improvements.
The Indian team’s dominance continued as both Srinivas and Khazima completed a triple crown, winn
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