Last week, the Madras Gymkhana club wore a festive look as players from across south India converged to compete at the 54th Madras Gymkhana Club Annual Open Bridge Tournament, a South Zone Category B Ranking tournament. Players from 10 years to octogenarians took part in the tournament. “It is a passion for bridge that makes us all assemble in the lawns for the tournament. More than a win or a loss, it the spirit to compete despite advancing years that propel us to compete,” said A Sridhar, a veteran bridge player who is in his 70s.
KR Venkataraman, one of the finest bridge players that India has produced, believed the Madras Gymkhana Club tournament serves as an opportunity for budding bridge players to learn the game. “The Madras Gymkhana Club tourney is one of the premier tournaments of the country and top talent in Tamil Nadu usually play here. That’s why the contests are very closely fought. It is a tournament where one can learn and play against players across different age groups and seasoned players.”
Former India women cricketer Sumathi Iyer, who also retired from Canara Bank bridge, said it served as an avenue to carry on with life and meet new people. “Once a sportsperson, forever a sportsperson. Once your playing days are over on the field, you need to do something that keeps you physically and mentally active. That’s how I was initiated into bridge,” said Sumathi.
For brothers Adhiyaman (14) and Agilan (10) from Puducherry, the event was an opportunity to showcase their talent and learn. Many youngsters emphasised that bridge helped them to enjoy club culture as they also use the club facilities to play tennis, table tennis, and billiards. Overall, the event helped the participants to bond over the New Year and take the legacy of the fabled competition forward.