Panaji, Jun 21 (PTI) The fifth edition of the Asia Bridge Cup got underway in Goa on Sunday, bringing together 300 players from 16 countries and territories from the Asia-Oceania region for the week-long championship.
The tournament, being held from June 21 to 27 at Dona Paula near Panaji, is organised by the Bridge Federation of India and is sponsored by Bonus Playing Cards, a brand of Parksons Cartamundi Private Limited.
Participants from Australia, China, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong China, Bangladesh, the Philippines, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and host India are competing in Men’s, Women’s, Mixed and Senior categories in both Team and Pairs formats.
The organisers described the event as one of the most prestigious Bridge tournaments in the Asia-Oceania region and said it reflects the growing popularity of the card game, which is recognised globally as a mind sport.
Speaking at the inauguration, Kapil Kejriwal, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Parksons Cartamundi Private Limited, said the company’s association with the championship was a natural extension of the brand’s long association with card games in India.
“Bridge represents the highest level of card-based competition, bringing together strategy, intellect, partnership and skill in a truly remarkable way. We are proud that some of Asia’s finest players are competing in India using our specially designed Bonus playing cards throughout this prestigious championship,” he said.
Kejriwal said the company hoped its partnership with the Bridge Federation of India would contribute to the growing recognition of Bridge as a serious mind sport and encourage greater participation, particularly among younger generations.
Prasad Keni, president of the Bridge Federation of India, said the Asia Bridge Cup serves as an important platform to showcase top talent from across Asia and Oceania.
“We are delighted to have Parksons Cartamundi on board as our principal official sponsor. Their association reflects the growing recognition that Bridge is receiving as a serious mind sport in India,” he said.
The organisers have also planned on-ground engagement activities at the venue, including a dedicated lounge, interactive games and a photo booth for participants and visitors. PTI RPS NSK
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