Mahaboob Pasha, balances life as an auto-rickshaw driver during the day and a carrom coach in the evening. Running the Cherian Nagar Carrom Coaching Club — he has trained over 50 students, including 14 national champions.
Published Feb 06, 2025 | 9:53 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 06, 2025 | 9:53 AM
Khazima and her family with Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.
Synopsis: Khazima (18), a Tamil Nadu resident, recently won three titles at the 6th Carrom World Cup in the US. Her father, an autorickshaw driver, coached her to the world titles. He also runs a carrom academy in Chennai and has trained over 50 students, including 14 national champions.
“Appa had an interest in carrom. He was our coach,” said Abdul Rahman, brother of Tamil Nadu’s carrom champion Khazima, in a conversation with South First. His words trace a family’s journey from Chennai’s Arumbakkam, where an autorickshaw driver’s passion for a board game turned into a world title.
Khazima (18), recently won three titles at the 6th Carrom World Cup in San Francisco, the US — securing victories in the women’s singles, women’s doubles (partnering with V Mithra), and the women’s team championship.
In the singles final, she defeated Rashmi Kumari, a 12-time national champion from Bihar.
“Appa had a deep love for carrom. He may not have had formal training, but he understood the game well and became our coach,” Rahman told South First.
Their father, Mahaboob Pasha, balances life as an auto-rickshaw driver during the day and a carrom coach in the evening. Running a carrom academy in Cerrian Nagar — the Cherian Nagar Carrom Coaching Club — he has trained over 50 students, including 14 national champions.
Despite living in a rented house and practising in conditions that were far from ideal — leaky roofs during the rainy season and limited equipment — the family’s dedication never wavered.
“We couldn’t afford expensive boards or travel for tournaments often. Most of our practice happened at home with whatever we had,” Rahman added.
Khazima.
The foundation of Khazima’s success was laid in a modest home where carrom was more than a hobby.
“We saw a newspaper ad about sports appointments at the Reserve Bank. That’s when we thought, why not try?” recalled Rahman.
Rahman was the first to pick up the striker under their father’s guidance. Khazima followed, quickly surpassing him. “She started winning state-level matches within six years. That’s when her interest grew stronger,” he said.
While Khazima’s career progressed, Rahman had to step back. “Appa wanted me to win too, but family responsibilities after Covid left me no time. I had to work,” he explained.
Khazima’s achievements earned her ₹1 crore from the Tamil Nadu government, which she plans to use to support her family and upgrade her father’s coaching club.
Rahman added that her training was rigorous — 12 hours of daily practice ahead of the championship. Despite the demands, family support remained constant.
The Indian team, led by Tamil Nadu’s A Maria Irudayam, dominated the World Cup, sweeping all titles in both men’s and women’s categories.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin congratulated Khazima and her teammates and acknowledged their role in elevating Tamil Nadu’s sports profile.
Khazima’s story is rooted in simple beginnings, guided by her father’s interest in the game, her brother’s early lessons, and a determination that turned practice sessions in a small Chennai home into global recognition.
Her victory is not just a personal achievement or a win for her family — it is a triumph for the entire Cherian Nagar community. The people of her neighbourhood celebrated her success with great enthusiasm, moving everyone who witnessed the joyous occasion said Rahman.
“Appa is now very proud. People used to talk down on me because I left the sport, but after Khazima’s win, the situation changed. Success has a way of shifting perceptions. After everything, I’ve learned to believe in God,” Rahman concluded.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
