JKC Sports and BFI Forge Historic Alliance to Elevate Bridge in India

JKC Sports and BFI Form Groundbreaking Partnership

The 5th Bonus Asia Cup Bridge Championships kicked off in Goa with a significant announcement as JKC Sports and the Bridge Federation of India (BFI) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing and professionalizing bridge across India.

This collaboration unites BFI, the leading authority for contract bridge in the nation, with JKC Sports, a venture of the JK Group, to broaden participation in the sport and establish a robust ecosystem. This announcement coincides with the commencement of the championships, which are taking place in Goa from June 21 to 27. The tournament features 290 players from 46 teams across 16 countries, solidifying its status as a premier continental bridge event in Asia. India, the host nation, aims to defend its title against formidable competitors from various countries including Australia, Bangladesh, China, and more.

Emphasis on Grassroots Development and Professional Framework

Following a successful previous edition, India is set to present a strong team after its senior squad clinched the gold medal, with Puja Batra and Asha Sharma winning in the women's pairs event. The MOU outlines JKC Sports' commitment to grassroots initiatives, a structured mentor-mentee program, and the establishment of the Technical Director Academy (TD Academy). This partnership aims to foster bridge development in schools, colleges, and new cities, while raising awareness and encouraging broader participation. The goal is to attract more individuals to the game, identify talent early, and create clear pathways for emerging players.

Madhav Singhania, CEO & Joint Managing Director of JK Cement and Co-Founder of JKC Sports, stated, "Bridge has a dedicated following in India, yet it lacks the professional structure it deserves. Our collaboration with BFI is focused on establishing that framework. We aim to invest in young talent, provide mentorship through the TD Academy, expand the sport into educational institutions, and incorporate technology into the teaching and management of the game. Through platforms like mybridge360.com, we aspire to make bridge more accessible and engaging for future players."

Leveraging Digital Innovation for Sport Advancement

Both organizations will strive to modernize bridge through technology and digital innovation, utilizing platforms such as mybridge360.com. This initiative includes enhancing digital tools and systems that facilitate coaching, competition, and the administration of the game, ensuring that the sport evolves on a more professional level.

The partnership will also prioritize creating a structured and accessible bridge ecosystem by harnessing technology, education, and outreach initiatives through BFI programs, enabling players, coaches, technical officials, and enthusiasts to engage more effectively with the sport.

Prasad V Keni, President of the Bridge Federation of India, remarked, "This MOU represents a pivotal moment for bridge in India. Collaborating with JKC Sports equips the federation with the resources and expertise needed to expand the game's reach, especially among the youth, and to elevate its professional standards. We share a mutual objective of growing the sport while maintaining its competitive integrity, and we are excited about the potential of this partnership." The rollout of this collaboration will unfold over the upcoming seasons, with specific programs, academy intakes, and development initiatives to be announced in due course.

India Aims to Retain Title Against Strong Rivals

India's team, featuring Asian Games medallists and national champions, is poised to face tough competition from leading bridge nations in Asia, including Hong Kong, the current men's team champions, and Indonesia, which is defending its titles in both the women's and mixed team categories.

Championship Schedule

The qualification rounds for the men's, women's, mixed, and senior team events are set to occur from June 22 to 25. Semi-finals for the team events will take place on June 26, culminating in the finals for teams and pairs on June 27.