JKC Sports and Bridge Federation of India sign MOU to professionalise bridge

GAO: No misdeal here as India is dealt a fresh hand in the game of bridge. A significant move to reshape the future of contract bridge in India has been set in motion after JKC Sports and the Bridge Federation of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Goa to professionalise and expand the sport across the country.

The agreement was announced on the opening day of the Bonus Asia Cup Bridge Championships, which is being held in Goa from June 21 to 27. The tournament has attracted 290 players across 46 teams from 16 countries, reinforcing its status as one of Asia’s key bridge competitions.

Under the partnership, JKC Sports will drive grassroots development, introduce a structured mentor-mentee programme and establish a Technical Director Academy (TD Academy). The initiative aims to take bridge into schools, colleges and emerging sporting centres while building clear pathways for young and developing players.

A major focus of the collaboration will be technology-led transformation, with both organisations strengthening digital platforms such as mybridge360.com to improve coaching systems, competition management and accessibility for players, officials and enthusiasts.

Speaking on the partnership, JK Cement CEO & joint managing director Madhav Singhania said the sport has long enjoyed a loyal following but lacked a structured professional ecosystem.

Singhania said, “The partnership is about building that structure. We want to invest in young players, support them through mentorship and the TD Academy, expand the sport into schools, colleges and emerging centres, and bring technology into how the game is taught and run.”

He added that platforms such as mybridge360.com will help make the sport more accessible and professionally managed for the next generation.

Echoing this, Bridge Federation of India president Prasad V Keni said the collaboration marks an important step for Indian bridge.

Bridge Federation of India president Prasad V Keni said, “The MOU will help take the game to more young players and put it on a stronger professional footing. We share a common goal of growing the sport while protecting its competitive integrity,” he said.

The rollout of programmes, academy intakes and development initiatives will be announced in the coming seasons as both partners look to build a more structured and widely accessible bridge ecosystem in India.