The incredible journey of India’s carrom world champion, Khazima

• M.B. Khazima, a carrom player from Chennai, recently won three titles in the Carrom World Cup in the San Francisco Bay Area.

• Despite financial struggles and the COVID-19 lockdown, Khazima’s father, Mahboob Basha, has been instrumental in her success.

• Basha, a father, coach, mentor, and guide, has been instrumental in Khazima’s rise.

• The Tamil Nadu Government has awarded Khazima a cash prize of ₹1 crore in recognition of her achievements.

• The State Government has promised to renovate the coaching centre, with work expected to start soon.

• Khazima, who has trained at Cherian Nagar for her entire life, is determined to stay in the area and plans to buy a new house with the money the State Government has given her.

• Despite initial challenges, Khazima persevered and won the World Cup, thanks to the timely support from the State Government.

• Khazima was sanctioned ₹1,50,000 within a day of requesting financial support from Udhayanidhi Stalin, a significant amount for a carrom player.

Carrom Player’s Success and Future Hopes

• 18-year-old Khazima, a scholarship student at Justice Basheer Syeed Ahmed College, is a passionate carrom player.

• She anticipates carrom being broadcasted on television and is eagerly anticipating job opportunities.

• Khazima started playing carrom at six years old and started senior category at nine.

• Her brother Abdul Rahman, a former junior national champion, provided the spark that pushed her to take the sport seriously.

• Khazima is proficient in thumbing, straight shots, and cut shots.

• Her mentors include former India player B. Radhakrishnan and Maria Irudayam, a nine-time National champion and two-time World champion.

• Khazima believes India can reach greater heights in carrom with better facilities from state governments and proper central government support.

• Khazima has urged her father to stop working and vowed to take care of the family.