India’s Putul Sonowal has created history in lawn bowls by assuring the country its first-ever medal at the World Bowls Champion of Champions in Barham, New South Wales, Australia. The 43-year-old player from Assam reached the men’s singles semi-finals after defeating Singapore’s Harriman Yuen in the quarter-finals.
Sonowal entered the knockout stage after a strong performance in the group phase. He defeated Botswana’s Edwin Nyoka Jnr in his final group match to finish at the top of his section and qualify for the quarter-finals.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Putul Sonowal reached the men’s singles semi-finals of the World Bowls Champion of Champions.
He defeated Singapore’s Harriman Yuen in the quarter-finals.
The 43-year-old athlete is from Assam and serves in the Assam Police.
Sonowal won the men’s singles title at the 2026 Asian Lawn Bowls Championship.
He also defeated Canada’s Ryan Bester at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
A member of the Assam Police, Sonowal has emerged as one of India’s leading lawn bowls players. Earlier in 2026, he won the men’s singles title at the Asian Lawn Bowls Championship.
He also made an impact at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he defeated Canada’s Ryan Bester in the men’s singles competition. Bester is a multiple Commonwealth Games medallist and a former world outdoor champion.
Sonowal’s semi-final qualification marks a significant milestone for Indian lawn bowls, securing the country a medal at an international championship featuring national singles champions from around the world.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Sonowal’s achievement marks a historic moment for Indian lawn bowls and brings international recognition to the sport in India.
