Carrom has always been a unique place in many homes, schools, and social clubs, even after generations to generations. With its wooden board and flicking disks, this straightforward but strategic board game has evolved from its casual beginnings to become a professional competitive sport played worldwide. Top carrom players who have perfected the skill of precise striking and contributed unmatched strategy and focus to the board have been created through Carrom over the years. Carrom’s popularity is rising thanks to official world championships and increased international competitions; elite players come from several countries. These famous carrom players have elevated the game to heights by displaying talent, agility, and mental toughness.
Let’s discover the list of the 14 best Carrom players in the world of all time, detailing their remarkable achievements and contributions to Carrom.
We all love to play Carrom without even following the proper carrom rules and consider ourselves to be the best players. But do you really want to know about the best carrom player in the world? So, let’s discover the top 14 world’s best carrom players of all time:
1. A. Maria Irudayam (India)
A. Maria Irudayam is considered one of the top carrom players in India for many good reasons. Irudayam, born in Tamil Nadu, India, has had a lasting impact on the sport. He has won the Indian National Championship an amazing nine times and is a two-time World Carrom Champion. He dominated carrom events for decades with his cool head and exceptional tactical awareness. Not only does Irudayam have many titles, but his career has been distinguished by his consistency and longevity, as he has proven time and time again that he is a formidable opponent. The Indian government honored his contributions to the sport in 1996 by giving him the nation’s greatest sports accolade, the Arjuna. His legacy as a role model for younger players is unmatched.
Achievements:
Two-time World Carrom Champion
Nine-time Indian National Champion
Recipient of the Arjuna Award in 1996 for his contribution to carrom
Rashmi Kumari is the female best carrom player in India having achieved recognition for her skill in the game. Acclaimed for her composure, mastery, and precision on the court, she has emerged as a source of motivation for aspiring player, particularly female players. Rashmi, who is from Bihar, India, has won the Women’s World Championship several times and continuously placed highly in domestic and international contests. She is still a dominant player in the game, and her accomplishments have helped Carrom become more well-known, especially among female players. Rashmi is one of the most dangerous Indian carrom players on the circuit because of her uncanny accuracy and capacity to perform under duress.
Achievements:
Multiple-time Women’s World Champion
Consistent winner of national and international tournaments
Pioneer for women’s carrom in India
3. Prof. K. Srinivas (India)
In the realm of carrom, Prof. K. Srinivas is well-known as the best carrom player in the world for his contributions to the strategic advancement of the game and his accomplishments as a player. The former national champion Srinivas has also advanced significantly in his teaching of young players. He is an invaluable resource for coaching the upcoming generation of carrom stars due to his profound comprehension of the tactical aspects of the game. Prof. Srinivas has helped raise the profile of carrom as a sport in India and worldwide by teaching and promoting it over the years. His successes on the field are not as important as his influence as a coach.
Achievements:
Former National Champion
Renowned carrom coach, mentor to numerous champions
4. S. Ilavazhagi (India)
In the world of carrom, S. Ilavazhagi has been a formidable presence, particularly in the women’s category. Ilavazhagi, an Indian native from Tamil Nadu, has long been regarded as the carrom best player in the female category. She a two-time Women’s World Champion, has won multiple national and international championships, demonstrating her proficiency in accurate striking and her capacity for composure under duress. She has a reputation as one of the most skilled players on the tour, thanks to her fierce competition and commitment to the game. Ilavazhagi is still a source of encouragement for ambitious female players who want to know how to play carrom and be the best in this age-old game.
Achievements:
Two-time Women’s World Champion
Winner of several national and international tournaments
An influential figure in Indian women’s carrom
5. Chamil Cooray (Sri Lanka)
The name Chamil Cooray brings dread to the hearts of opponents in Sri Lanka. Cooray has long dominated the international carrom scene. He is renowned for his flawless accuracy and skilful control of the carrom striker. He is the best carrom board player in the world thanks to his skill and strategy, and he has competed for his nation in multiple global championships. Cooray has placed highly in international competitions and won national titles due to his abilities. He is one of the most well-respected players in Carrom, thanks to his tactical approach and ability to perform well under pressure.
Achievements:
Multiple-time Sri Lankan National Champion
Regular top finisher in international tournaments
One of Sri Lanka’s top carrom players
6. Nishanta Fernando (Sri Lanka)
When Nishanta Fernando became the first carrom player from Sri Lanka to win the Men’s Singles title at the Carrom World Championship, he solidified his place in Carrom history. In addition to earning him acclaim on a global scale, his incredible victory in this esteemed competition increased awareness of carrom in Sri Lanka. Fernando is the most dangerous carrom board best player in the world thanks to his aggressive yet composed style of play and amazing carrom tricks. In his nation, a new generation of carrom players has been motivated by his successes on the international scene.
One of India’s most promising carrom top players is Kajal Kumari. Kumari has established herself as one of the best female carrom players in the world by winning multiple international and national championships. She is well-known for her aggressive approach and keen decision-making abilities. She has helped the Indian national team win several games and has a commanding and strategic presence on the board. In carrom circles, Kumari is well-known due to her sustained success in the game.
Achievements:
Winner of multiple national and international titles
Consistent member of the Indian national team
Known for her aggressive and tactical gameplay
8. Pierre Dubois (France)
Kajal Kumari is the most promising and best carrom board player in India. Kumari has become one of the world’s best female carrom players thanks to her aggressive approach and astute decision-making abilities. She has won multiple national and international competitions. She has been a part of several triumphs for the Indian national team, and she commands and uses her position on the board well. In the carrom world, Kumari is well-known due to her sustained success in the sport.
Achievements:
Leading carrom player in France and Europe
Key promoter of carrom across Europe
9. B. Radhakrishnan (India)
B. Radhakrishnan is a well-known carrom player name in India with great success domestically and internationally. For many years, Radhakrishnan was a prominent force in Indian carrom, and he was well-known for his superb defensive play and outstanding control over the striker. Along with multiple national victories, he has established himself as one of the most reputable sports players thanks to his technical proficiency in the game and steady play. In addition to his gameplay, Radhakrishnan has mentored younger players therefore his effect goes beyond gaming.
Achievements:
Multiple national championships
Consistent performer in international tournaments
Veteran figure in Indian carrom
10. Parmi Nirmala (India)
Parmi Nirmala has established herself as one of India’s best female players by continuously performing in domestic and international tournaments. As a result of her ability to remain composed and calm under pressure, she has won multiple titles and is regarded as one of the top female players in the carrom board game. Nirmala is a fierce competitor on the carrom board because of her capacity to stay focused and make accurate strokes under the most trying circumstances.
Achievements:
Winner of several national championships
Regular competitor in international tournaments
11. Ravivarman Sharmila (India)
The Ravivarman Sharmila is one of the emerging stars in the carrom world. He was a carrom board no 1 player that has made a name for herself in the sport by performing in several outstanding national and international tournaments. She has a reputation for making decisions quickly and playing strategically, which has allowed her to easily outmanoeuvre opponents. One of Sharmila’s best qualities is her ability to remain calm under pressure, and she has the potential to be one of the future stars of Indian carrom.
Achievements:
Winner of national and international titles
Rising star in women’s carrom
12. Saikumar Apoorva (India)
Saikumar Apoorva has progressively established herself as one of India’s top female carrom players. Apoorva, who is well-known for her technical skill and effortless game reading, has consistently competed in international carrom events. She has won multiple major events thanks to her accurate shooting and strong defence, and in the years to come, she will undoubtedly be one of the best players to watch.
Achievements:
National and international carrom titles
Known for her strategic gameplay and shot precision
13. Irshad Ahmed Ansari (India)
Irshad Ahmed Ansari has become a well-known name in the Indian carrom community. Ansari has established himself as one of the men’s division’s most gifted and reliable players, with several national and international titles. He’s a fierce domestic and international opponent thanks to his technical proficiency and accurate shot execution. Because they see Ansari as a role model, young players are still motivated by his sports contributions.
Achievements:
Multiple national and international tournament wins
Respected figure in the Indian carrom scene
14. R Arokiaraj (India)
R Arokiaraj is one of the world’s most skilled players for his reputation of strong and accurate striking skills. Arokiaraj has developed a reputation as a dominant player in the sport through his participation in and victories in multiple national and international competitions throughout the years. His composure under pressure and capacity for handling high-stakes contests make him a reliable player. Because of his skill and expertise, Arokiaraj is a formidable opponent when playing carrom.
Achievements:
Multiple national and international tournament victories
Veteran player with a reputation for precision and calmness under pressure
The game of Carrom requires physical prowess, mental acuity, and strategic planning. The 14 featured players on this Carrom world champion list have shown that they are among the greatest that the world has ever seen.
From the domination of A. Maria Irudayam, to the ascent of rising stars such as Ravivarman Sharmila, these sportsmen have elevated the game to unprecedented levels. Numerous players are still motivated by their legacy, and their contributions to the sport have cemented Carrom’s status as a competitive international game. These best carrom players have ensured the game’s growth and popularity for years, whether through their championship victories or their mentoring of upcoming generations.
Yes, famous female carrom players include Rashmi Kumari, S. Ilavazhagi, and Kajal Kumari from India. They have won multiple national and international championships, establishing themselves as top players in the world, particularly in women’s carrom tournaments.
Who is the world no. 1 carrom player?
Maria Irudayam is widely regarded as the world’s No. 1 carrom player.
What skills make a great carrom player?
Key skills include precision striking, strategic planning, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Great players excel in controlling their shots, anticipating opponents’ moves, and mastering technical skills like spinning and cutting the striker effectively.
What major tournaments do the best players participate in?
Top carrom players compete in prestigious tournaments like the Carrom World Championship, Asian Carrom Championship, Indian National Championship, and International Carrom Federation (ICF) Cup. These events feature top talent and are vital for establishing global rankings.
How does one get recognized as a top carrom player?
Players gain recognition through consistent performance in national and international tournaments, winning prestigious titles, and accumulating rankings in recognized carrom federations. Excellence in competitive matches, media coverage, and awards like the Arjuna Award also help in gaining recognition.
Who is considered the best carrom player of all time?
A. Maria Irudayam is widely regarded as the best carrom player of all time, with two World Championship titles and numerous national championships. His legacy in the sport is unmatched, making him an iconic figure in carrom history.
Which country has the most successful carrom players?
India has the most successful carrom players, producing champions like A. Maria Irudayam, Rashmi Kumari, and Kajal Kumari. India’s dominance in international competitions and the number of highly skilled players contribute to its success in carrom globally.
