In a vibrant gathering at the Dishoom Permit Room in Notting Hill, the centuries-old board game carrom is captivating a new generation. With an overwhelming demand for tickets—800 applications for just 44 spots—this event highlights the growing interest in reconnecting through shared experiences. As players flick their counters and engage in spirited competition, they also celebrate a sense of community that is increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced world.
A Night of Chai and Connection
The atmosphere is electric as players sip chai and dust off their boards in eager anticipation of the games ahead. Among the participants are Uneeb Khalid, 39, and his friend Varun Solan, 43, who find themselves engaged in both playful banter and discussions about artificial intelligence while competing. Their camaraderie is palpable; they ultimately secure a commendable second place amidst the lively rotations of players, conversations, and games.
Carrom, often described as a blend of pool and draughts, invites players to flick a striker with their fingers, aiming to pocket their pieces before their opponents do. Its origins may be debated across regions from India to Yemen, yet its essence transcends geographical boundaries, serving as a bridge uniting diverse cultures.
Abdus Khan and the Karrom Community
At the heart of this revival is Abdus Khan, 31, whose initiative, Karrom, has fostered a burgeoning community of approximately 12,000 carrom enthusiasts across the UK. The demand for events like this is booming. The recent superleague tournament at Boxpark Wembley attracted 600 participants, showcasing the growing popularity of the game. For Khan, the nostalgia associated with carrom is deeply personal, rooted in cherished childhood memories of playing with family in Bangladesh. “It’s synonymous with some of the most cherished memories that I’ve ever experienced,” he reflects.
Khan envisions a future where carrom is not just confined to casual gatherings but is celebrated on a larger stage, akin to the Indian Premier League for cricket or major darts tournaments. His ambition is to expand the superleague beyond the UK, reaching cities like San Francisco and Karachi, thus amplifying the game’s global footprint.
Rediscovering Community in a Digital Age
The resurgence of carrom resonates with many who yearn for genuine connections in an increasingly isolated digital landscape. Zara Chechi, 29, illustrates this sentiment. After discovering the carrom community on Instagram, she felt compelled to find a space where she could meet like-minded individuals in person. “A lot of us miss the community aspect of going to people’s houses,” she shares, highlighting the emotional void that social media often fails to fill.
Ala El-Kurd, 30, who ventured to the games night solo, appreciates the simplicity of the game’s accessibility. “The barrier to entry is just ‘can you show up and play?’” he notes, reflecting a broader trend among young adults seeking meaningful interactions without the distractions of excessive drinking or digital scrolling. “People crave friendship,” El-Kurd asserts, recognising a collective longing for community in a fragmented society.
A Future Where Carrom Unites
As the evening unfolds, the atmosphere remains filled with laughter, friendly competition, and the tantalising aroma of biryani wafting through the air. The gathering is a testament to the power of shared experiences, where strangers become friends over the flick of a counter. Abdus Khan encapsulates the spirit of the night succinctly: “In a fragmented world, we need some unity.”
Why it Matters
The resurgence of carrom in the UK is not merely about reviving a game; it’s a profound response to the growing need for community and connection in an era dominated by digital interactions. As people seek out shared experiences that foster relationships and bring diverse groups together, carrom stands as a beacon of hope. It exemplifies how traditional games can transcend time and trends, weaving a tapestry of unity in our increasingly disconnected world. Through initiatives like Khan’s, we are reminded that sometimes, all it takes to build community is a board, some counters, and a shared desire to connect.
