The All India Carrom Federation (AICF)

The History

The game of carrom is older than you think. It has been around since the 18th century, played by Rajas and Maharajas in their palaces, quickly gaining immense popularity among all households by women and children alike. In the early 19th century, the game travelled overseas and was known to be a bonding game during World War 1. Back home in India various competitions were held at State levels. Soon enough, it evolved from being a pass time game to a sport.

The All India Carrom Federation

 Despite the huge popularity of Carrom, there was a lack of guidelines for the rules of the game including equipment specifications. There was an urgent need for a governing body to bring about uniformity in the equipment and pattern of play. This is when the All India Carrom Federation was formed.

On 4th March 1956, an ‘All India Meet’ was organized at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Madras by  Dr. R.S. Cunniah (Madras) and support of Mr. Mukhtar Ahmed (Bombay) and Mr. K.H. Krishnamurthy (Hyderabad).

The Mission

“All India Carrom Federation aims to maintain India’s pre-eminent position in elite carrom, and to remain world leader in our approach to the game and the results we achieve. We also aim to make carrom a competitive sport for everyone – a sport that can be adopted and enjoyed by Indians of all ages, genders and backgrounds.”

It calls for support from the Indian Carrom community that includes the leading administrative bodies – State Associations, District Associations, Associate Members, carrom clubs, schools and many thousands of volunteers throughout the country.

 The Work

The Government Sports Council of India recognised the Federation on 26th October 1970 and  regularly provides grant-in-aid for its national championship. An  Assistant Secretary for the Federation has been sanctioned by the Government of india. The Indian Olympic Association also recognized the Federation during October 1997. The All India Carrom Federation is affiliated to the International Carrom Federation and the Asian Carrom Confederation.

Through its State Associations and District Associations, the Federation controls and supervises all Carrom activities in India.

The Tournaments

The All India Carrom Federation organises various tournaments for various categories throughout the year,  in both male and female divisions.

• National championships for senior players
• National championships for veteran Players (above 45 years of age)
• National championships for youth players (below 21 years of age)
• National championships junior players (below 18 years of age)
• National championships for sub-junior players (below 14 years of age) 
• National championships for cadet players (below 12 years of age)
• Inter-Institution National Championship 
• All India Federation Cup Carrom Tournament every year. 
• Zonal Tournaments
• Inter-Zonal Tournaments
• Regional Tournaments
• All India Ranking and Invitation Prize Money Tournaments.

International Bodies

The Federation is also associated with international carrom bodies with the likes of International Carrom Federation, European Carrom Federation and Asian Carrom Federation.

 In order to promote the game in the home country and to let the world know of its capability, the AICF has held and organised many international carrom events.

 World Carrom Championships during 1991

• World Carrom Championships 2000
• The World Cup Carrom Tournament during 2006
• The SAARC Countries Carrom Championship during 2004 at New Delhi
• Asian Carrom Championships in 2007 at Raipur
• Asian Carrom Championships in 2009 at Pune
• Asian Carrom Championship In 2013 at Kolkata 
• SAARC Countries Carrom Championships in 2007 at Nagpur
• SAARC Countries Carrom Championships in 2009 at Mumbai 
• SAARC Countries Carrom Championships in 2013 at Kolkata. 

Promotions 

The All India Carrom Federation aims at promoting the Carrom game at all levels.

To achieve this goal the federation undertakes certain activities and events.

•  Supervision of all State and District Associations conducting State and District Championships regularly 
•  Emphasising of the carrom game in the activity curriculum of schools and colleges.
• Starting residential training programmes for Carrom Academics
•  Conducting coaching camps of shorter duration in different States
•  Helping carrom players in getting jobs under sports quota.

 The Federation has shifted its focus on Media publicity and marketing of this game.