It was Team Formidables all the way , in the Indian Selection Trials that concluded in Hyderabad yesterday . The champion Indian team , who had recently clinched the elusive teams title at Bharuch winter nationals , once again underlined its consistent supremacy in the competitive bridge scenario in the country . Though the finals against Shree Cement was quite tight for the first 2 sessions of the 16 x 6 contest , one break of 33 imps in 3rd session broke the shackles . Shree Cement , another good team with 2007 Tolani Grand Prix victory under its belt , had its task cut out as Formidables consolidated its position in the penultimate set , to increase its lead to 69 imps . It was clear by then who will represent India at the 1st Mind Sports Olympiad at Beijing . Formidables romped home with 66 imps .
Hearty congratulations to Mrs Kiran Nadar and her team . Lot of credit should go to Mrs. Nadar for first building a solid team and then , more importantly , keep it together for a long period of time , even though the team may have had some bad days at the office . While individual bridge skills are quite important , no less important are the aspects like keeping pace with modern bridge , have partnerships continuity and the team spirit . In addition to technical superiority , it is is quite evident that the team has a strong desire to win and win the big ones . Representing India must be high on the agenda and they have repeated their past victories in the Indian trials with another convincing performance this time round . Kiran - Satya , Subhash - Venkataramana and Rajesh Dalal - Sunit Choksi were the 3 pairs that the team comprised .
Trials won ; what next ? Will this team aim at surpassing its past performance in Bermuda Bowls, Olympiads and Open world championships ? It was QF in 2001 Bermuda Bowl , the round of 16 at the 2002 Montreal open championships - just to recall a few . There was Mastrich Olympiad also in year 2000 Between now and October , will the team prepare single-mindedly for the Beijing challenge , by going that extra mile ? Because if they do , then ( and only then ) there is a more than even chance of Formidables & India shining brightly internationally - a vital piece missing from our bridge closet and something which will make the popularity of bridge in India a world of good . I have always believed that bridge is one of very few sports which can bring laurels to India . We have the ability, and by now the exposure . Add useful practice , specific training in weeks to follow and maintain physical fitness to help go distance - anything is possi ble.
Will Team India ( Formidables ) push really hard this time to do something special at Beijing ?
