The BOSM English Press recently had a conversation with Shivam Kumar, the Captain of the Carrom team, to learn more about their preparations for BOSM 2023.

The game involves teams of four players with one substitute. When inquired about the team’s training regimen, Shivam mentioned that it isn’t overly demanding, except for those who are also part of other sports teams and have to squeeze in practice after completing their commitments with those teams.

Regarding the level of competition he anticipates and any specific rivals from past festivals, Shivam acknowledged that Thapar University had given them a tough challenge in previous years. Furthermore, he emphasized the inherent difficulty of competing against other BITS campuses, considering the high skill levels across the board.

Reflecting on their performance in past festival editions, Shivam proudly stated that they had clinched a gold medal in the last BOSM. However, he stressed the importance of continuous practice to maintain their winning streak in future competitions. 

When asked about any notable challenges they faced during the festival, Shivam mentioned that they had not received any new equipment in the past two to three years. Despite assurances that new inventory was on its way, it hadn’t arrived, affecting the training experience for new players. Training on a defective board and then switching to a different one during competitions created a performance gap.

Shivam remarked that despite their achievements, including winning gold and silver in consecutive fests, he felt that the team didn’t receive the recognition it deserved. In conclusion, Shivam shared that the team is one of the most welcoming sports teams on campus and encouraged carrom enthusiasts to try out for the team next semester.