Male' Maldives: Carrom Association of Maldives (CAM) is set to host the 7th Carrom World Cup from December 2–6, 2025, marking the tournament’s return to the country after 11 years.
The last time the Maldives welcomed the world’s top carrom players for a World Cup, was in 2014, when the prestigious event was staged at Sun Island Resort. This year, the competition will take place at Barcelos Nasandhura in Malé.
According to the Carrom Association of Maldives (CAM), initial plans were made to host the tournament on an island. However, with over 200 athletes from more than 20 countries expected to participate, making it the largest Carrom World Cup to date, the organizers selected the capital to better accommodate the scale of the event.
The official logo launch was held yesterday, with Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu (Raappe) officiating as chief guest.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Rafiu emphasized that hosting such a high-profile competition will not only elevate the nation’s sporting reputation but also create new opportunities in sports tourism.
“Carrom World Cup will showcase the Maldives as a capable host of world-class competitions,” said Rafiu. “It will also pave the way for other sports in the Maldives to benefit from hosting events of this magnitude in the future. Our aim is to make this one of the best Carrom World Cups ever held.”
Hussain Raushaan, General Secretary of CAM and Vice President of the International Carrom Federation (ICF), expressed gratitude to the government and the Sports Minister for their support in securing the event on such short notice.
He underlined the importance of the tournament for both national athletes and the country as a whole.
“Hosting this Carrom World Cup will not only boost sports tourism in the Maldives but also give our players the chance to compete at home against the very best,” Raushaan said.
“Last year in California, our men’s and women’s teams both won bronze medals. This time, we are determined to aim higher on home soil. The next three months will be crucial for preparing our team.”
The 7th Carrom World Cup is expected to draw significant global attention, with over five former world champions among the participants. In addition, the executive committee of the ICF will also attend the tournament in Malé, further cementing the Maldives’ place on the international sports stage.
As anticipation builds, both the Carrom Association and the government have pledged to ensure a smooth, world-class event, while Maldivian players prepare to make their mark in front of a home crowd.
