By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net,
New Delhi: Forty-seven-year-old Jameel Ahmed created history in the 53 years history of Delhi carrom when he won the All India Federation Cup Carrom title on 30th December in Varanasi. It was not only his first national title in a career spanning over three decades, but also that of the state he represents. Yet, the cold weather chilled both media and government – no coverage, no award.
The title is the result of his hard work and at the cost of his own business in Jafarabad area in Delhi as he never got any support from the government, nor any sponsor. Jameel, a Delhi native, has participated in all state and national tournaments since 1979 and won about 100 titles – in junior category, singles and doubles. He is 50-time Delhi champion, and now this national title is what he had longed for for three decades.
Jameel in his room dotted with medals, trophies
“This is the happiest day in my life. I have been working hard for this title for the last 32 years. This is the first time a Delhi player has won the title. Delhi teams and players have been participating in tournaments but never crossed pre-quarter stage. Now I am 47. It was almost impossible to win the title in this age. This is just the blessing of Allah that I have won the title,” says Jameel talking to TwoCircles.net at his home in Muslim-dominated Seelampur area in North-East Delhi.
In the 53 years history of Delhi carrom, no Delhi player has won the title. Yet the state government has not announced any award for him. However, two days ago Jameel was facilitated at a program by DDA Sports Control Board and was presented a check of Rs 51000. Neither the program featured top state politicians, leave alone the chief minister, nor the amount matches to the proud he earned for the state. Though he is not hoping for any job offer as he is already 47 but wishes to become coach for the Delhi players.
Shadab of Nadeem Club
Talking about his hobby that later became his passion Jameel says: I started playing carrom in the age of 3. I played first national in Nagpur in 1978,and since then never saw back. I have won more than 60 times Delhi championship in singles and doubles. As junior I won several titles. In total I won 100 titles. For last some time I was feeling tired due to age. But after winning the title I feel my youthful age has returned.
Describing the winning moment in Varanasi he says: Semifinal round was very tough. There were more chances to lose. My rival was a player from Bihar. He had defeated a national champion and a world champion. Yet, Lady Luck was with me and I defeated him.
Nadeem Club players practising
He has not played any international tournament as he was not in the national team. Now that he has won the national championship he has more chances to take part in international tournament. If he entres even quarter final in the next national championship to be held in Guwahati in March 2010, he will qualify for world championship.
Maqbool Ahmed, Delhi Champion in 1976, is happy Jameel won the title. “I was hopeful he will win the title one day. He has been awarded for his hard work,” said 73-year-old Ahmed who stopped playing in 1996.
Jameel plays for Nadeem Club in Seelampur. There are four-five good players in the club who also play for Delhi. He has trained them. One of them is Shadab. Shadab has been playing for Delhi team. He is among the top six players of the state in ranking. He will take part in national championship in Guwahati.