Bridge Federation of India (BFI), recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), today announced the official competition schedule and international player roster for the 5th Bonus Asia Cup Bridge Championships 2026, to be held from 21–27 June at the Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, Dona Paula.
Nearly 300 elite players and officials representing 46 powerhouse teams from 16 countries and territories across the Asia‑Pacific region will compete in this marquee championship – making it one of the largest international mind‑sports events ever hosted on Indian soil.
Participating nations include Australia, Bangladesh, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong China, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and host nation India.
India enters the home‑turf tournament as defending champions in multiple high‑stakes categories. At the previous Asia Cup, the Indian contingent secured the coveted Seniors Team Gold Medal, 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 China (defending Men’s Team Champions) and Indonesia (defending Women’s and Mixed Team Champions).
President of the Bridge Federation of India, Prasad Keni said: “The announcement of the schedule marks the beginning of the final countdown to Asia’s premier bridge event. Hosting this championship is a proud moment for India, as we welcome the finest minds in bridge from across the continent. We are committed to delivering a tournament that reflects competitive excellence and India’s renowned hospitality. We are hoping for at least 4 medals from our team.”
Debasish Ray, General Secretary, Bridge Federation of India, added: “Goa will host some of the finest minds in the game, and we look forward to showcasing world‑class competition, exceptional hospitality, and India’s growing stature as a destination for international mind sports. India has fielded an incredibly strong squad featuring Asian Games medallists and national champions primed to defend our home turf.”
Official Championship Schedule
• 21 June (Sunday): Participant Registration, Captains’ & Delegates’ Meetings | 7:00 PM: Inaugural Ceremony & Welcome Dinner
• 22–25 June (Mon–Thu): Qualification Rounds across Men’s, Women’s, Mixed, and Senior Team Championships
• 26 June (Friday): Team Semi‑Finals | Launch of individual Pairs Qualification Events
• 27 June (Saturday): Grand Team Finals & Play‑offs | Open, Women’s, Mixed, and Senior Pairs Finals | Friendship Pairs Event | Official Prize Distribution & Closing Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony will be graced by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant; in the presence of Franck Riehm, President of the World Bridge Federation, noted industrialist H. M. Bangur (Chairman, Shree Cement Limited), and senior officials from SAI, APBF, and BFI.
At the last Asia Cup, Hong Kong 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 Medal.
In the Pairs events, Indonesia’s Deny Sacul and Franky Karwur won the Men’s Gold, with India taking Silver and Indonesia Bronze. India’s Pooja Batra and Asha Sharma won the Women’s Gold, while Vasanthi Shah and Bharti Dey secured Bronze. Indonesia claimed Silver. In the Mixed Pairs, Indonesia took Gold, Thailand Silver, and Hong Kong China Bronze. In the Seniors Pairs, Chinese Taipei emerged victorious, with Bangladesh and Hong Kong China finishing second and third.
For more information, visit: https://bonusasiacup2026.com/
