25th Sir Padampat Singhania Memorial Bridge Tournament Kicks Off in Kanpur
Kanpur is set to host a prestigious bridge event as 26 top bridge pairs from across the country gather for the 25th edition of the All-India Sir Padampat Singhania Memorial Invitational Pairs Bridge Tournament-2026. The competition will take place at the historic Cawnpore Club from February 20 to 22, marking a significant milestone in Indian bridge sports.
Silver Jubilee Edition Features New Digital Initiatives
Organised by the Sir Padampat Singhania Sports Foundation for the 25th consecutive year, this silver jubilee edition introduces several innovative initiatives to enhance the tournament experience. According to organising secretary Jitendra Awasthi, the foundation will officially launch 'MyBridge360' (www.mybridge360.com), a comprehensive digital platform, during the inaugural ceremony on February 20.
This platform is designed to revolutionise bridge in India by offering:
- News and updates on bridge events nationwide
- Information on upcoming tournaments
- Partner-matching functionality for players
- Digitised tournament registration processes
- Digital scoring systems
- Live result tracking capabilities
Live scores from the tournament will be available on MyBridge360 and broadcast live on Bridge Base Online (BBO), ensuring real-time access for enthusiasts and participants alike.
Enhanced Prize Money and Competitive Format
In celebration of the 25th anniversary, the organisers have announced a substantial 33% increase in the total prize money. The top 13 pairs will receive cash awards, incentivising high-level competition among the elite participants.
Tournament director VK Sharma highlighted that special attractions include pairs from Rabidpura village in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh, a women's team from Vidyapati village, and player Krishna Gujjar, adding diversity and local flavour to the event.
Technical officer Gajendra Singh detailed the competitive structure, noting that 26 elite pairs will compete across 13 tables in 25 rounds of play. Each round will feature 6 boards in an all-play-all format, ensuring a rigorous and fair competition for all involved.
Inauguration and Ceremony Details
The event will be inaugurated by Ajay Kumar Saraogi, Deputy Managing Director of JK Cement Ltd, in the presence of Prasad Keni, President of the Bridge Federation of India, and Anil Kumar Agarwal, Chairman of the Kailashpat Singhania Sports Foundation. This underscores the tournament's significance within the sports community.
The prize distribution ceremony is scheduled for February 22, concluding three days of intense bridge action. This tournament not only celebrates a quarter-century of bridge excellence but also sets a new standard with its digital advancements and increased rewards, fostering growth in the sport across India.
