World Bridge Championships: National women’s team primed for mega event

Pakistan players hope to leave mark in Bali starting September 16.

KARACHI: Pakistan women are ready to make a statement at the 41st edition of the World Bridge Team Championships starting September 16 in Bali, Indonesia.

The national women’s team made history at the Bridge Federation of Asia and Middle East Championship in India earlier this year, where it triumphed after defeating defending champions India to qualify for the 19th Venice Cup, the women’s event at the World Championship.

Team captain Rubina Agha stated that it will be an honour for the team to play with some of the best players.

“It’s a huge honour just to be able to play with the top players in the world,” Rubina told The Express Tribune. “It’s the first time that the women’s team will compete as regional champions in the World Championship. Besides the sport, it’s also a great opportunity for Pakistan women to show the world that we can compete in bridge as well.

“In fact, the players from the US that I spoke to were surprised to even know that women play competitive bridge in Pakistan.”

Rubina emphasised that getting the Pakistan Bridge Federation to arrange for a proper coaching session had been a challenge for her.

“In order to make a mark in the championship we needed proper coaching. The federation provided us with veteran player Tahir Masood who has been coaching us for a week now. Our aim will be to finish among the top-eight teams in the championship.”

Other than Rubina, the team also includes Zeenat Azwer, Roshan Ara Bokhari, Qudsia Dossa, Rubina Saeed Hai and Fatima Raza.

Rubina added that the team will be leaving for the championship on September 15.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th, 2013.

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