Asia's Premier Bridge Championship Kicks Off in Goa

The 5th Bonus Asia Cup Bridge Championships 2026 has officially begun in Goa, attracting around 300 players from 16 nations. The event features a blend of Goan culture and international sportsmanship, with categories for men, women, mixed, and seniors. As India enters as the defending champion, the tournament promises fierce competition from top teams across Asia. With a schedule packed with qualification rounds and finals, this championship highlights India's growing stature in the world of bridge. Join us as we explore the details of this prestigious event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 22, 2026, 23:34 IST

Inauguration of the 5th Bonus Asia Cup Bridge Championships 2026

The 5th Bonus Asia Cup Bridge Championships 2026 commenced on Monday with a grand opening ceremony. Approximately 300 participants from 46 teams across 16 countries and territories in the Asia Pacific and Middle East have gathered for this significant international mind-sports event, marking one of the largest of its kind ever held in India.

Cultural Fusion at the Opening Ceremony

The opening festivities showcased a blend of Goan cultural heritage and global sportsmanship, featuring a Shigmo Parade, a Parade of Nations, and the Players' Oath. Esteemed guests included Franck Riehm, President of the World Bridge Federation, Prasad Keni, President of the Bridge Federation of India, and H. M. Bangur, Chairman of Shree Cement Limited, along with officials from the Sports Authority of India and the Asia Pacific Bridge Federation.

A Championship of Asian Proportions

Prasad Keni emphasized that this championship is akin to the Asian Games for bridge. He stated, "With categories for men, women, mixed, and seniors adhering to World Bridge Federation standards, this event represents the pinnacle of competition. Hosting it in Goa is a moment of pride for India as we welcome the best minds in bridge, fostering friendships while celebrating the essence of the game."

India's Rising Influence in the Bridge Community

Franck Riehm praised India's involvement and the scale of the championship, noting, "This is an exceptional event, and Goa serves as an ideal setting. The size of this gathering highlights India's increasing prominence in the world of bridge. Over the coming days, we will witness top competitors showcasing why bridge captivates brilliant minds globally. India possesses tremendous potential in this sport, and by hosting such a prestigious event, it demonstrates its capability to be a vital player in the world bridge community."

Tournament Overview and Participating Countries

Sanctioned by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and backed by the Sports Authority of India, the tournament is scheduled from June 21 to 27, 2026. The nations participating include Australia, Bangladesh, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong China, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and the host nation, India.

Defending Champions and Their Rivals

India enters the tournament as the defending champion in several categories, having secured the Seniors Team Gold Medal and Women's Pairs Gold in the previous Asia Cup. This year's team, featuring Asian Games medallists and national champions, will face tough competition from Hong Kong China (Men's Team Champions) and Indonesia (Women's and Mixed Team Champions).

Event Schedule

The tournament schedule includes qualification rounds from June 22 to 25, semi-finals and pairs qualifiers on June 26, culminating on June 27 with the Grand Team and Pairs Finals, Friendship Pairs, and a Prize Distribution ceremony.