Subodh Maskara, organiser alongwith Team Mavericks and Team Asian Games
at the Mavericks Premier League 2024 in Mumbai
Mumbai : The prestigious
Mavericks Premier League 2024 has officially commenced today at the iconic
Madhuli Apartments, Worli, Mumbai. The four-day tournament, held under the
aegis of the BRIDGE Federation of India, is set to conclude on August 18, 2024.
This elite event has brought together the top eight BRIDGE teams from across
the nation, including renowned players who have represented India at the Asian
Games.
The tournament follows a meticulously crafted format designed to test
the strategic acumen of all participants. Among the distinguished players
competing in this year’s league are Jaggy Shivdasani, Sumit Mukherjee, Raju
Tolani, Sandeep Thakral, Ajay Khare, and Rajeshwar Tiwari, all of whom were
part of the Indian team that secured the silver medal at the Asian Games. Their
participation underscores the elite nature of this tournament, where every
match promises to showcase the highest level of skill and strategy.
Subodh Maskara, renowned BRIDGE
player and organiser of The Mavericks Premier League 2024 said, “The elite
tournament is rapidly becoming a hallmark in India's BRIDGE calendar,
reflecting the game’s growing international momentum within the country. As
BRIDGE continues to gain popularity, tournaments like these are attracting some
of the finest talents in the sport, further solidifying India's reputation on
the global stage.”
He further added, “BRIDGE is recognised by the International Olympic
Committee. It's encouraging to witness a resurgence of interest in BRIDGE
across the globe. The game is increasingly acknowledged as a strategic endeavor
that demands mental stimulation and sharp intelligence to overcome challenges.
With its emphasis on agility and cognitive skills, BRIDGE is now being promoted
for all ages. Once considered a pastime for older generations, it has evolved
into a recognized sport embraced by both millennials and Gen Z.
Furthermore, studies have proven that playing BRIDGE can delay or even avoid
the onset of dementia and increase memory retention. In an era where we rely
heavily on our phones, it's crucial to engage in activities that exercise our
brain cells”
Over the first two days, all eight teams will engage in a single
round-robin phase, where they will play seven rounds of 14 boards each. Based
on their performance, the teams will be ranked and divided into two groups—
Group A (top four teams) and Group B (remaining teams).
On the third day, the competition heats up with four additional rounds
where top teams face off based on their round-robin rankings. The final day
will witness the climax of this intense competition, as the winners of the
Group A semi-finals battle for the championship, while the Group B teams compete
for their respective positions.
A highlight of the event will be the presence of celebrated
personalities Milind Soman and Chitrangada Singh, who will be addressing the
participants on the evening of Saturday, August 17, at 7 PM. Their appearance is
expected to add a touch of glamour to the tournament, further elevating its
profile.
BRIDGE, a game of intellect and strategy, has a rich history and a
dedicated following worldwide. In India, its appeal is growing, with more
players and enthusiasts recognizing the depth and challenge it offers. The
Mavericks Premier League exemplifies this trend, serving as a platform for the
best of the best to compete, inspire, and push the boundaries of their
capabilities. It is a step towards putting India on the global map of BRIDGE.
India's BRIDGE community consists of approximately 4,000 competitive players.
The BRIDGE Federation of India (BFI), operating under the World BRIDGE
Federation (WBF) and the IOC, actively promotes youth engagement in the game.
Local organizations have also launched initiatives to boost BRIDGE's
popularity, with a focus on cultivating young talent.
For more information about the
Mavericks Premier League – 2024, including match schedules and updates, please
visit the tournament’s official website at https://bridgewebs.com/mavericks .