
Staff Reporter : Kolkata, 21st. January, 2025: Acropolis Mall came alive with excitement and skillful precision as it hosted a day-long Invitational Carrom Tournament in collaboration with the Carrom (29) Association of Bengal. The event transformed the mall into a dynamic hub, with players demonstrating their expertise on the carrom boards while enthusiastic spectators cheered on the intense competition.
The tournament began at 11 AM, featuring 32 participants competing in doubles matches on eight carrom boards, each measuring 29 inches. Participants included representatives from various organizations, including the Income Tax Department, who battled it out in a knockout format. The meticulously designed structure included eight pre-quarterfinal matches, four quarterfinals, two semifinals, and a thrilling final match. According to the rules, teams progressed to the next round by securing 25 points. A dedicated team of 12 referees ensured fair play throughout the tournament.
The competition concluded with Mr. Chandan Chaudhary and Mr. Chottu Mondal from Hooghly emerging as champions. Mr. Subha Sarkar and Mr. Deep Thakur from Hooghly secured the first runners-up position, while Mr. Dibyendu Simlai and Mr. Lakshman Murmu (LIESC) were the second runners-up.
The awards ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries, including Mr. Jahar Das, Honorary General Secretary of the Bengal Olympic Association and a former Mohun Bagan footballer, and Mr. Sourav Chakraborty, National Table Tennis Coach and decorated Commonwealth Games medalist. They presented trophies to the winners and lauded the players for their exceptional performances.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Subhadip Basu, Corporate GM, Mall and Hospitality, Merlin Group, said:
“Carrom has long been a cherished social and family game, fostering bonds and camaraderie. While it requires immense skill, strategy, and precision, it has not yet achieved the recognition it deserves as a professional sport. At Acropolis Mall, we are committed to promoting a culture of fitness, mental acumen, and dexterity through sports. We thank the Carrom (29) Association of Bengal for partnering with us to organize this tournament, showcasing their expertise and elevating the game’s profile.”
Mr. Debasish Choudhury, President of the Carrom (29) Association of Bengal, added:
“This Invitational Carrom (Doubles) Tournament, organized in collaboration with Merlin Group and Acropolis Mall, is a significant step towards popularizing carrom in our state. While it remains underrepresented, Merlin Group has provided a strong platform to elevate the game. We hope to receive continued support from them in the future to make carrom a widely recognized sport.”
This successful tournament underscored the growing recognition of carrom as both a recreational and professional sport, promising a bright future for its enthusiasts.