After a wait of four long years, Sri Lanka emerged Overall champions in the Men’s category at the 5th World Carrom Championship which was worked off in Cannes, France from February 13 to 17.

The Lankan slicers created a major upset by defeating India, the reigning champions, in the final.

Sri Lanka Men’s team comprised Chamil Cooray, Nishantha Fernando, J. Gunawardena and Viraj Fernando, while the Women’s team comprised Amitha Wickramasinghe and two upcoming talents from Sumana Balika Vidyalaya, Ratnapura, Yashika Rahubadda and Udeshika Kumari.

Chamil Cooray defeated Yogesh Pradesh of India 2-1 to give the Lankans

A 1-0 lead and then Nishantha Fernando beat R. N. Sankara 3-0 to bag the Overall Championship in the Men’s category at the World Carrom Championship.

K. Nadarajah of India managed to win the last encounte beating J. Gunawardena of SL 3-0, but Sri Lanka created history by winning their first ever World Carrom Championship.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka were runners-up in the Women’s category.

The Sri Lanka team is due to arrive in the island this afternoon.