New Delhi, October 14, 2025 – In a breathtaking display of strategic brilliance, the Nagpur VI bridge team etched their name into the annals of Indian bridge history by clinching the Silver Category championship at the prestigious 22nd HCL International Bridge Championship in New Delhi. The victory marked the team's maiden international gold medal triumph after years of relentless dedication and practice.
The Nagpur VI team, led by skipper Arun J Puranik and comprising Mahesh Mor, Sameer Roy, Anil Kumar Mohota, and Makrand M Luley, delivered a commanding performance in the final match against Hyderabad Blues. In a display of tactical mastery, Nagpur VI dominated all four segments of the match, emerging victorious with an impressive margin of 99 boards. The team won the opening segment 54-36, followed by a devastating second-round victory of 71-10. Even in the third round, they maintained their dominance with a 34-14 victory, forcing Hyderabad Blues to concede before the fourth segment commenced.
This triumph is particularly significant as it comes just one month after Nagpur VI created a national record for victory points at the EA Bridge International Championships in Chennai. The substantial cash prize of Rs 16 lakhs (the highest ever won by a Nagpur bridge team) demonstrates the growing recognition of bridge as a premier competitive sport in India.
Speaking to media after the victory, team skipper Arun Puranik expressed immense pride: "The HCL tournament gained international status in 2016, and from that time, it was our dream to win this tournament. Today, that dream has come true. It was a wonderful team effort, and every member contributed their best to achieve this historic title. We are grateful to the Vidarbha Bridge Association and the bridge fraternity for continuously supporting us throughout this remarkable journey."
This victory signals the emergence of Nagpur as a powerhouse in Indian bridge, challenging the traditional dominance of Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai-based players. The performance of the Nagpur VI team has inspired a new generation of bridge enthusiasts in the Vidarbha region, opening doors for fresh talent to pursue the sport at the highest competitive levels.
