Bridge is now played in over 150 countries in the world. In 1995 the WBF was recognized as an international organization and in 1999 WBF was recognized by International Olympic Committee as an international sports federation WBF is one of the founder members of IMSA (international mind sports association)

Which organizes mind sports Olympics. Presently there are 123 member countries of the World Bridge Federation.

In India the game is governed by THE BRIDGE FEDERATION OF INDIA established in 1952. It is affiliated to bridge federation of Asia and middle east (BFAME) which forms zone 4(out of 8 total zones of WBF.)

Bridge is now also part of Asian Games program. It is an approved game by central Govt and hence appointment in sports quota to meritorious bridge players in Go vet undertakings is now happening.

We have a world Junior Gold medalist, two junior silver medalists and two bronze medalists in the open category at world level. We also have Asian Games gold medalist pair.

Kalpana and Vidya have been playing as partners for many years. 

They had decent performances in the Word Championships in Lyon in 2017, in China in 2018 and in Croatia in 2019 they were ready for the 2022 Championship in Salsomaggiore Italy . 

However, they have to be focused and be at their mind full best when facing off against the best in the world in the under 26 category. From mid-July Parimal bhai had an intensive 2-week preparation camp. Not only was bridge tactics sharpened but mental toughness and the desire to win was instilled in the girls. They knew too that it was the golden chance to prove their excellence in Bridge and thus convince their families that they could have an independent successful life. In rural India there is still immense pressure for young girls, however talented they are, to be married off at the earliest. 

After leading the pair event almost right through, Kalpana and Vidya had a below average last session to finish 2nd and bag the Silver medal- Creditable indeed. The next day in the open Individual event with more than 150 participants, Kalpana finished first among the Girls and won the Gold Medal for her effort. Kudos to Vinay Desai the coach and manager of the youth brigade too. 

The following picture features the triple world Champion Anshul Bhat and the medal winning boys team too. 

We Indians and the Israelis have magical mathematical abilities and very high IQs. We are proving it in Chess. We can do so in the other mind game, Bridge too, IF and when our secondary school children start playing bridge. 

Let us please make this our collective goal !