The last few months have been extremely exciting and different for me insofar as I have visited more outstation tournaments than I ever have in my whole bridge playing life (if I remember right).
The Gimatex Tournament at Hinganghat is different from most other tournaments one comes across. In the first place, it is held in a relatively remote location, some 70 km from Nagpur Airport. Secondly, this is the only tournament I know that offers free accommodation and boarding to all participants.
The participation was phenomenal with 37 teams participating in the Swiss League. This made the organizers modify the original schedule to 8 rounds of 8 boards each with 8 teams to qualify. The only adverse effect this had on the event was that this burden had to be shared alone by the tournament director, P Narsinga Rao. While he managed with his customary smiling face, this is one aspect that the organizers could have attempted to take care of since they were aware of the levels of participation quite early in the game.
Having made that solely constructive suggestion above, I have to say that I was overwhelmed by the organization. The accommodation provided was simple, yet more than adequate in terms of comfort and care. The food was simply outstanding. The organizers strove to ensure that no guest was severely incommoded, at times going out of the way to ensure their basic comforts.
The organizers plan to create an even bigger event in the months to come. We wish them all success in their efforts.
Sukrit Vijayakar
Well noted your comments & feedbacks Sukrit, thanks for sharing your genuine feedback about the tournament.
Anurag,
It was a truly wonderful experience.
I am Rajeev Deo from Pune.
I started playing bridge at Hinganghat in 1982 till 1985 under the able guidance of Shetji from then RSR Mohota mill and other residents. Yesterday’s tournament was like nostalgic one to me with great hospitality & personal touch. Not only the free accommodation but there was free pick up & drop even from Nagpur airport. No words to explain such a large heartedly organization !!!
It’s a great tournament for all bridge players and lovers of the game. In a remote location around 75 kms from Nagpur what an arrangement made by father son duo with the help of a dedicated team who proved they are not only good bridge player but also very good organiser. This type of hospitality will certainly encourage more and more bridge player to join and I am the first one. Thanks to Mohota family & Gimatex employees you are the PATH FINDER for others. Special thanks to ever smiling TD Narsimaji ji to take the tournament at highest level. Namaste to all perticipants.