Bridge Sport Gains Momentum with New Partnership in India
Significant Boost for Bridge in India
On June 21, the 5th Bonus Asia Cup Bridge Championships kicked off in Goa, marking a pivotal moment for the sport of bridge in India. JKC Sports and the Bridge Federation of India (BFI) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing and professionalizing bridge across the nation.
This collaboration unites BFI, the principal governing body for contract bridge in India, with JKC Sports, a venture of the JK Group, to expand participation and strengthen the sport's ecosystem, as stated in a press release.
The announcement coincides with the commencement of the championships, which will run until June 27, showcasing the event's significance with 290 players from 46 teams across 16 countries. India, the host nation, aims to defend its title in this prestigious continental bridge tournament.
Competitors hail from various countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, China, and Japan, among others. India enters the tournament with a strong team, having previously secured gold and notable victories in women's pairs.
As part of the MOU, JKC Sports will focus on grassroots initiatives, establishing a structured mentor-mentee program, and launching the Technical Director Academy (TD Academy). This partnership aims to foster bridge in schools and colleges, raise awareness, and encourage broader participation.
The goal is to attract more players, identify talent early, and create clear pathways for emerging players to advance in the sport.
Madhav Singhania, CEO & Joint Managing Director of JK Cement and Co-Founder of JKC Sports, emphasized the need for a professional structure in bridge, stating, “Our collaboration with BFI is about establishing that framework. We aim to invest in young talent, support them through mentorship and the TD Academy, and integrate technology into the sport's teaching and management. Through platforms like mybridge360.com, we aspire to make bridge more accessible and engaging for future players.”
The partnership will also leverage technology and digital innovation to professionalize bridge, enhancing coaching, competition management, and overall administration of the game.
Prasad V Keni, President of BFI, remarked, “This MOU is a crucial advancement for bridge in India. Collaborating with JKC Sports equips us with the resources to reach a wider audience, especially the youth, and elevate the sport's professionalism. We share a vision of expanding bridge while maintaining its competitive integrity.”
Details regarding specific programs, academy intakes, and development initiatives will be announced in the upcoming seasons as the partnership unfolds.
India's team, featuring Asian Games medallists and national champions, is set to face formidable opponents from leading bridge nations, including Hong Kong and Indonesia, the latter being the defending champion in both women's and mixed categories.
The qualification rounds for various team events will occur from June 22 to 25, with semi-finals scheduled for June 26 and the championship concluding on June 27 with finals for teams and pairs.