I was exposed to carrom at a very young age just as a favourite past-time game. I remember getting my 1st board in the early 90s. It was SURCO and the year printed on it was 1975. It's the BEST board game one could ever play. Well that's my interpretation of having fun playing carrom be it alone or with some buddies who have similar interests. Although I've been playing carrom for a very long time but I'll always remember my 1st competition back in 1984 when I won the runners-up trophy with my doubles pal - Edmund Fernandez back in school. I still have that very small "trophy" back home in the showcase. From then on, I fell in love with the game and played it at my workplace, church, open competitions, etc.
As I was dying to learn more, I learnt about the existing of an association in Malaysia. Known as Carrom Association of Malaysia or Persatuan Karom Malaysia (KAROMAS). I joined them in 1999. This is where I knew the existence of a different format "international" format played throughout the world and sanctioned by the International Carrom Federation (ICF). The format which is played here is called just "local format". Mind you that the boards are different in the sense where the pockets are placed. International boards has its pockets in the inside which makes the board exactly square. Whereas the local boards has its pockets slightly on the outside.
When I first saw how the international format was played, I must admit that I laughed within myself as to what this is really. It took me awhile to adjust to this format of play. I had no choice as this is the only format which will take me international. So I adopted it and from then on, I never looked back. And I completely dropped the idea of ever playing local format in a local board. I had to painstakingly change my strokes which took me approximately 6 months but it was definitely worth it.
CARROM COMPETITIONS
I played my 1st international competition back in 2004 when I represented Malaysia in the 4th World Championships in Colombo, Sri Lanka. My 2nd was in 2006 when again I represented our nation in the 2nd World Cup held in New Delhi, India. I also had the priviledge to be part of ESPN StarSports' first ever inaugural World Series of Carrom right after the conclusion of the World Cup. I was chosen as one of the priviledged few because ONLY 16 players were chosen to play (Only 1 from Malaysia). This was a prestigious event as the prize money was huge i.e. USD7,500 (total prize money). Of course this is beyond comparison to other games but for carrom this was big. The event was held in a studio with live audience. This was truly an exciting exposure for me. And then this event was shown on ESPN StarSports a few months later.
In 2008, I took part in the 5th ICF Cup held again in Colombo, Sri Lanka. And finally in 2011, I completed the last and only event I tried taking part in 2 attempts but failed due to "internal" politics. This is the 4th Asian Championships held in Male, Maldives. Can you imagine that happening in carrom? Carrom is of no exeptions to "internal" politics as well.
Of the many events I represented the country, only 1 did I manage to secure a sponsorship. The rest I had to fork it out of my own pocket. This is the reality behind carrom and the passion you have for it. So in the event no sponsorship is secured, I need to prepare myself for the inevitable. All for the love of carrom.
UMPIRING
I've done umpiring in many local events such as MAKSWIP and MAKSAK tournaments. Also umpired in the 1st and 2nd Malaysian Open in 1999 and 2000 respectively. But the best ever experience I had as an umpire was when I was asked to overlook the Men Single's final between 2 Indian players. This was a marathon match as it took almost 3hrs to complete. The match was tied at 1-1 and went to the final decider set. Mind you that the finals are played to a FULL GAME mode. Which means that there are no more No. of Boards or No. of Frames. Whoever reaches 25pts wins. It was truly a tense situation not just for the players but for me as an umpire.
ORGANIZING
I was entrusted to organize the 6th ICF Cup held in November 2011. Participated by 5 countries which included Malaysia. Response was not too good but the show had to go on. Together with some reliable people, it was organized quite successfully. This was my first in organizing a major competition. Next time if there's one, it should be a "piece of cake".
QUALIFICATIONS
Firstly, I qualified as a National Umpire in 1999 and then went on to qualify as an International Umpire in 2000.
MISSION
My mission now is simple:
- to expose more people into playing carrom
- teach them to play the right format of play
- expose interested parties to know the rules of the game
- organize more tournaments and competitions
