The 6th Asian Carrom Championship kicked off last night with a vibrant start, marking the commencement of the first international sports championship hosted in Maldives this year.

Commissioner of Sports Mohamed Tholal graced the inaugural ceremony, which unfolded on a stage outside the Male' Social Centre.

Joining the festivities were officials from the Ministry of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation, Executive Committee members of the Carrom Association of Maldives, Secretary General of the International Carrom Federation V. D. Narayana, and Manish Kohli, Managing Director of Synco.

The event commenced with a special exhibition carrom double match, featuring Secretary General Narayana, CAM President Ibrahim Rasheed, Commissioner Tholal, and Managing Director Kohli.

This friendly match set the stage for the upcoming competition, held in the indoor hall of the Social Centre.

The ceremony was adorned with the hoisting of flags representing the ten participating countries, accompanied by traditional boduberu music, adding to the colorful ambiance.

The championship format began with Swiss League matches, culminating in the crowning of Prashant More from India as the Swiss League champion.

After an 11-year hiatus, the eagerly anticipated championship is scheduled from April 27th to May 1st, drawing participants from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea.

Notably, four former world championship winners are among the competitors, elevating the prestige and excitement of the event.

Organized through a collaborative effort between the Carrom Association of Maldives and the Ministry of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation, the championship's main sponsor is Visit Maldives.