Panaji: Goa will host nearly 300 elite players and officials representing 46 teams from 16 countries and territories across the Asia Pacific at the 5th Asia Cup Bridge Championships 2026, starting Sunday at Dona Paula. Goa previously hosted the third edition in 2018.
The Bridge Federation of India (BFI), recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), on Friday announced the official competition schedule and international player roster for this marquee championship, one of the largest international mind sports events held in India. The participating nations include Australia, Bangladesh, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and hosts India.
Championship Details
“This championship is equivalent to the Asian Games of bridge,” said Prasad Keni, president of Bridge Federation of India. “There are categories for men, women, mixed and seniors and played as per WBF guidelines. This competition is of the highest level.”
India enters the tournament as defending champions in multiple high stakes categories. At the previous Asia Cup, the Indian contingent secured seniors team gold, while the star duo of Puja Batra and Asha Sharma captured the women’s pairs gold medal. This year’s powerhouse domestic squad, featuring Asian Games medallists and national champions, faces fierce regional challenges from Hong Kong (defending men’s team champions) and Indonesia (defending women’s and mixed team champions).
India's Performance
“Hosting this championship is a proud moment for India as we welcome the finest minds in bridge from across the continent,” said Keni. At the last Asia Cup, China captured the men’s team championship, with New Zealand finishing runners-up and India securing third place. Indonesia dominated the women’s and mixed team championships, while India’s seniors team comprising Hemant Jalan, Kamal Mukherjee, Subrata Saha, Sukamal Das, Badal Das and Pronab Bardhan won the seniors team gold.
“Bridge is not a game, it’s a mind sport,” said Franck Riehm, president of World Bridge Federation. “Playing bridge helps stay alive longer. India has marvellous potential in this sport. By organising this kind of event, which is very difficult and a top competition, India shows it can be a very important member of world bridge.”
The championship will be held from June 21-27 at Dona Paula.
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