The game of Bridge is making its debut at the 2018 Asian Games, and it has made its entry to the contest in grand style, breaking the record of the oldest athletes participating in the Games.
At 79, Rita Choksi, has become the oldest athlete to formally represent India at any Games.
Rita took up Bridge in 1970, and has represented India at international tournaments in the United States, Pakistan, and China.
She has now been included in the 24-member Indian team taking part in Jakarta. However, she is not the oldest - that title goes to Malaysia's Lee Hung Fong, who, at 81-years of age has become the oldest competitor at the Asian Games.
Indian Bridge team players at the Asian Games 2018. Source: Prasad Keni
Bridge Federation of India's President Prasad Keni told SBS Gujarati, "Bridge is a different game, it is a mind game and age is not the barrier for anyone. Rita is representing India at the mixed event, her partner is also in his sixties."
It's the first time that the game of Bridge has been included at the International Games. Mr Keni said, "We were trying hard to get the game into the Asian Games. It is a result of our 20 odd years of hard work.
Bridge team supporters watch the monitor during the first round in the bridge competition at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, 21 August 2018. Source: AAP
"This game is becoming more popular in Asia Pacific Zone and Asia Middle East Zone, and we are hoping to make this game more popular outside Asia."
"It is far away from Olympics, but the most important point for the game is to be recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia," he added.
Industrialist and graduates
The current Indian Bridge team consists of some well-known personalities such as IITans (Indian Institute of Technology) Ajay Khare and Kiran Nadar, Steel company's Managing Director Raju Tolani and Hema Deora, wife of the late Union Minister Murli Deora.
Prasad Keni noted that the game of Bridge began in India during British rule.
Source: AAP
"Some of the officers from the Army and other bureaucrats were playing this game in their free time, and it became popular among the more affluent society in the country," he said.
Bridge is a time-consuming game and not everyone can afford it as it is expensive.
Hand holding cards ready to play bridge Source: Getty Images
However, there are 10,000 active participants in India and among them 1000 are playing at various stages. "We are organizing 15 to 20 tournaments per year," said Prasad Keni.
He is confident that Bridge will give India a medal at Asian Games as there are many internationally ranked players representing the country.
But, China and Indonesia are also strong, and India will face a tough fight from them.
10 sports being contested at the Asian Games
Sambo, Pencak Silat, Sepak takraw, Bridge, Kurash, Kabaddi, Tenpin Bowling, Paragliding, Jet-ski, Dragon Boating are the newly added games at the Asian Games in Jakarta.
