Barham: India’s Putul Sonowal created history by winning the country’s first-ever medal at the World Bowls Champion of Champions, securing bronze after reaching the men’s singles semi-finals in Barham, Australia, on Saturday.

The 43-year-old Assam Police havildar lost 8-5, 8-4 to Scotland’s Iain McLean in the semi-finals. The tournament does not feature a bronze-medal match, ensuring Sonowal a podium finish after his impressive run.

Sonowal’s campaign began with a strong performance in the group stage, where he won five of his six matches. He then defeated Botswana’s Edwin Nyoka Jr 5-0 in his final section match to top his group and advance to the knockout rounds.

Continuing his impressive form, Sonowal overcame Singapore’s Harriman Yuen in the quarter-finals to secure a place in the last four. Although his journey ended against McLean, the result marked a significant milestone for Indian lawn bowls on the international stage.

The 2026 Champion of Champions, held at cluBarham in New South Wales from October 6 to 10, brought together national singles champions from 35 countries as part of the World Bowls Series.

Sonowal entered the competition on the back of winning men’s singles gold at the 2026 Asian Lawn Bowls Championship. He had also impressed at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, defeating Canada’s Ryan Bester in a tie-break during the singles competition. Bester is a three-time Commonwealth Games medallist and former world outdoor champion.

Sonowal’s historic bronze represents a breakthrough for India in the sport and caps a successful season for the Assam player, who continues to raise the country’s profile in international lawn bowls.