Panaji: The Asia Cup Bridge Championship got off to a colourful start on Sunday with about 300 players from 16 Asia-Oceanic countries participating in this seven-day quadrennial event at Dona Paula.Patron of the Indian bridge fraternity and noted industrialist HM Bangur declared the championship open in the presence of Bridge Federation of India (BFI) president Prasad Keni and delegates from the World Bridge Federation.“The Asia Cup is among the most prestigious bridge tournaments in the region and serves as an important platform to showcase the very best talent from across Asia and Oceania,” said Keni. “Bridge is growing as a serious mind sport in India. Together with our partners, we look forward to creating a memorable edition of the championship and expanding awareness of the game among wider audiences.”The tournament will be played in round robin Swiss league basis. After the league stage, the top four teams in each group will make it to the semifinals.As one of the more prestigious bridge tournaments in the Asia-Oceania region, the event serves as an important platform to showcase the growing popularity and competitive strength of the sport.In the team event on Monday, India men’s A will face off against Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Japan and India B, while India B will meet Hong Kong, Bangladesh and South Korea. India women A team will take on Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Japan and their B team.
