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Akola: The Real Story Behind India’s Carrom Capital

People playing carrom on multiple boards inside a crowded carrom hall in Akola
Carrom players gathered around multiple boards in Akola, a city known for its strong carrom culture

Akola stands as a primary geographic centre for the production of indoor sports equipment in India. While many people recognise the city for its vast agricultural output and its historical role as a boundary settlement, it has developed into a global hub for the game of carrom.


This city is located on the banks of the Morna River and serves as a vital trade link within the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.


The local economy relies heavily on the manufacturing of professional-grade carrom boards that find their way into homes and competition halls across the world. It is this deep concentration of specialised factories and skilled woodworkers that has earned the city its reputation as the capital of this tabletop sport.




The Historical Growth of Carrom Manufacturing in Akola


The foundations of the industrial identity of the city were laid long before it became a sports hub.


Historically, the district was part of the dominion of the Nizam, assigned to the East India Company in 1853 to settle arrears of pay for the Hyderabad contingent. This administrative shift turned the city into a strategic centre for the British, eventually leading to its development as a major cotton and agricultural market.


The availability of land and the establishment of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation area, which spans 6.25 square kilometres, provided the necessary infrastructure for diverse industries to emerge.


While cotton and pulses remained dominant, a secondary market for leisure and sports goods began to take root in the mid 20th century.


A significant moment in this timeline was the establishment of Cheema Traders in 1942. This company has operated for over 84 years, starting its journey when the demand for local sports goods began to rise during the transition to independence.

By 1979, the sector saw further expansion with the founding of Cheema Industries. These businesses did not just produce equipment for local schools but aimed for a broader national market, leveraging the strategic rail and road connectivity of the region.


The growth of these factories created a ripple effect, attracting other craftsmen and entrepreneurs to the Baid Pura and Tilak Road areas.


The concentration of these industries in a specific zone allowed for a shared pool of skilled labour and raw materials.


The Vidarbha regional economy benefited from this specialisation as Akola became a one-stop shop for wholesalers from other major cities like Mumbai and Nagpur.


The industrial landscape of the city is currently dominated by three prominent zones on the outskirts, where the production of carrom boards sits alongside traditional oil and dal mills. This mix of heavy agricultural processing and light consumer goods manufacturing defines the local commercial spirit.

 

The presence of these companies has turned Akola into a reliable source for high-quality carrom boards that meet international standards. Unlike many other regions where sports goods are a minor part of the economy, the carrom trade in this city is a central pillar of its identity.

The historical data indicate that the success of these businesses is tied to their ability to adapt to changing rules and the professionalisation of the sport.


As the All India Carrom Federation introduced stricter regulations in 1956, the manufacturers in Akola were among the first to standardise their equipment to fit the new laws of the game.



The Technical Precision of Professional Carrom Production


The manufacturing process of a professional carrom board is an exercise in engineering and material science.


A standard board must offer a perfectly flat surface that allows carrom men to glide with minimal resistance. In the workshops of Akola, this starts with the selection of plywood.

Manufacturers often choose plywood faced with mango wood or white meranti, sourced from different parts of the country, for its natural smoothness. The playing area is typically a square measuring 29 inches by 29 inches, though variations exist for different skill levels.


The outer frame is equally important as it dictates the rebound quality of the striker. Professional boards use hardwood frames that are at least 2.5 inches wide and 0.75 inches thick. These frames are polished and sealed to prevent moisture from warping the wood, a common challenge in the local climate.


The assembly involves high-quality wood glue and precise lap joints to ensure the frame stays rigid over years of use. Once the physical structure is complete, the surface undergoes a rigorous finishing process.

 

The artwork on the board is not merely decorative but functional. It defines the baselines, the centre circle, and the diagonal foul lines that players must respect during a match. While hand painting was the norm for many years, the industry in Akola shifted to screen printing in the late 1980s to improve accuracy and speed.


This transition allowed manufacturers to produce hundreds of identical boards every week, ensuring that every player has the same experience regardless of where they purchase their equipment.


Beyond the board, the production of accessories is a specialised trade. Strikers are often made of acrylic or high-grade plastic, precision moulded to ensure they weigh between 15 and 20 grams. The carrom men, or coins, are crafted from wood or plastic and must be perfectly circular.


The final product is tested for levelness and smoothness, often using professional-grade boric powder to verify that the coins slide effortlessly across the surface. This commitment to detail is why professional associations in the Vidarbha region and across India prefer boards from this manufacturing cluster.


The scale of production is evident in the number of specialised units operating in the city. While companies like Cheema Industries have a reported annual turnover of less than one crore, the combined output of the dozens of small and medium units makes Akola a giant in the industry.


These businesses provide essential gear for tournaments sanctioned by the International Carrom Federation and the All India Carrom Federation.


The ability of local craftsmen to produce durable, high-performance equipment at a low cost has prevented major international brands from dominating the Indian market.



The Social and Competitive Culture Carrom in Akola

The status of the city as a carrom hub is reinforced by a deep-seated culture of play. Carrom is a social activity that brings people together in schools, clubs, and homes.


The game of carrom is praised for improving mental focus and reducing stress, making it a popular pastime for residents after a long day of work. In local areas like Baid Pura and Telipura Chowk, it is common to see people gathered around boards for friendly matches that can last several hours.

Competitive carrom in Maharashtra has a history spanning over 125 years. The Maharashtra Carrom Association, formed in 1954, played a pivotal role in transforming the game from a recreational hobby into a recognised sport.


This professionalisation led to the creation of the Vidarbha Carrom Association, which manages local tournaments and selects talent for state-level competitions. The city has hosted numerous championships that attract players from all over the country, further cementing its reputation.

 

The presence of these high-level players in the national circuit has inspired a generation of youngsters in Akola. While the top players are often recruited by public sector organisations like banks and airlines under the sports quota, their equipment almost always traces back to the workshops of their home state.


The game is particularly valued for its inclusivity, as it focuses on skill and strategy rather than physical fitness, allowing children and seniors to compete on an equal footing.


The city also boasts several training centres and clubs where aspiring players can hone their skills. Establishments like the Brilliant Chess Academy and local sports houses provide space for coached sessions.


These centres focus on the technical aspects of the game, such as understanding angles, controlling the striker, and mastering rebounds. The social interaction fostered by these clubs helps build a sense of community, reducing loneliness and strengthening bonds between different age groups.


The ongoing support from the Vidarbha regional associations ensures that the competitive spirit remains high, even as digital versions of the game gain popularity on mobile platforms.


The Economic Network of Dealers and Global Distribution of Carrom Boards from Akola


The final aspect of the carrom identity of the city is its extensive network of dealers and wholesalers.


Akola serves as a distribution point for boards that are shipped to every state in India and even to international markets.

The MIDC area and the traditional markets are home to some of the most reliable sources for sports enthusiasts. Wholesalers in the city offer a diverse range of products, catering to casual players who need a basic board and professionals who require tournament-grade equipment.


The commercial ecosystem includes not only manufacturers but also retailers and covers manufacturers who protect the boards during transport. Shops along Tilak Road and Mahatma Gandhi Road are filled with stacks of boards ready for dispatch.


This density of businesses creates a competitive environment that keeps prices affordable for the average consumer. The reputation of the city for quality craftsmanship means that a board from Akola is seen as a long-term investment by clubs and schools across the country.


The global reach of the carrom industry in this city is a testament to the enduring appeal of the game. As the Indian diaspora has moved to the UK, the USA, and the Middle East, they have taken their love for the sport with them, creating a niche export market for high-quality boards.


The International Carrom Federation and various continental federations supervise the game in about 50 countries, ensuring that the rules remain consistent. The manufacturers in Akola have adapted to these international standards, providing equipment that is used in world championships and international cups.   


The growth of online shopping and digital platforms has further expanded the market for these local products. Websites now allow customers from different parts of the world to order an authentic board directly from an Akola-based manufacturer. This digital influence has introduced the game to a tech-savvy generation, ensuring that the carrom capital remains relevant in the 21st century.


The economic health of the Vidarbha regional manufacturing sector is closely tied to this global interest in traditional indoor games. As long as people value the tactile experience of a physical board and the precision of a well-made striker, the factories of Akola will continue to thrive.   


The future of the carrom industry looks promising as more schools and community centres recognise the developmental benefits of the game.

It is a scientific sport that requires knowledge of physics and geometry, making it an excellent educational tool for children. The ongoing support from the government and state sports councils ensures that carrom remains a recognised sport with a clear path for professional advancement.


With its deep historical roots and modern industrial capacity, Akola remains the undisputed heart of the carrom world.   



FAQs


Q: Why is Akola specifically recognised as the carrom capital of India?

A: Akola is recognised as the carrom capital because it is the primary manufacturing hub for professional-grade carrom boards and accessories in India. The city has a high density of factories, some operating for over 80 years, that produce equipment for both domestic use and international tournaments.   


Q: What materials are commonly used in the carrom boards produced in Akola? 

A: Manufacturers in the city primarily use high-quality polished plywood for the playing surface, often faced with mango or white meranti wood. The outer frames are typically constructed from hardwood like teak or eucalyptus to ensure a durable structure and accurate rebounds.   


Q: Is there a formal association in Akola that manages carrom tournaments? 

A: Yes, the Vidarbha Carrom Association is active in the city and is responsible for organising local tournaments and managing the professional interests of players in the district. It is affiliated with the Maharashtra


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About the Author

Pranay Arya is the founder and editor of The News Dirt, an independent journalism platform focused on ground-level reporting across Vidarbha. He has authored 800+ research-based articles covering public issues, regional history, infrastructure, governance, and socio-economic developments, building one of the region’s most extensive digital knowledge archives.

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