Team Herald
PANJIM: India will host the 3rd Asia Cup International Bridge Championship which to be held in Goa from June 4 to 10, at Goa Marriott Resort and Spa.
The championship will be contested in five categories namely men, women, mixed, super-mixed and senior. The countries participating are Australia, Bangladesh, China, China – Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Singapore and Thailand along with invited team of players from Sri Lanka and host country India.
The Championship will be inaugurated by the President of the World Bridge Federation Gianarrigo Rona in the presence of the World Bridge Federation Zone 4 and Zone 6 Presidents, namely Ashok Goel from the Bridge Federation of Asia & Middle East (BFAME) and Khunying Esther Chodchoy Sophonpanich of the Asia Pacific Bridge Federation (APBF).
Round robin matches will be played from the June 5 to 8. Four top teams in each category will progress to the knock-out stage. The semi-finals will be contested on June 9 and final and play-offs for third place on the June 10.
The BFI’s endeavors have been blessed with the support of our esteemed Minister of State for Youth affairs & Sports, Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore AVSM. Along with the Sports Authority of India, the Ministry has been supporting the efforts of the Federation in organisation of National and International Championships as well as providing grants for participation in competitions both in India and abroad.
Rathore recommended the setting up of Bridge Academies in different Indian cities to promote the sport, especially among the youth. He has made this suggestion as he says that this sport is a great stress buster. Being a very intellectually absorbing game, bridge helps to both sharpen the mind and to focus in a balanced way. This calm balance coupled with rapid thinking, trains the mind to work under intense pressure.
The Minister further stated that it is important to promote bridge in our fast-paced modern world because people from varied walks of life need a safe and beneficial outlet for stress. And, in particular, children need to be attracted to this sport as they too carry a heavy work-load at a very young age indeed. Once these Bridge Academies draw youngsters to the sport through training and competitions, the sport can be promoted in schools too.
The BFI are also looking forward to keen public support during the 3rd Asia Cup Bridge Championships to be held in the beautiful state of Goa.
