Latest news with #SOGF
United News of India
11-06-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
SOGF to hold Grandmasters Series - South Zone 2, announces Koneru Humpy as Brand Ambassador
Chennai, June 11 (UNI) Announcing legendary Grandmaster Koneru Humpy as its Brand Ambassador to inspire and empower the next generation of Mind Sports enthusiasts, Skillhub Online Gaming Federation (SOGF) will be holding the SOG Grandmasters Series South Zone 2. The event will take place in Chennai on July one and two and would bring together the finest minds in Indian rummy and chess for an unforgettable celebration of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. The event will consist of two tournaments, the Indian Rummy Grandmasters (IRG) for the Rummy enthusiasts and the Indian Chess Masters (ICM) and Indian Chess Masters for Blind (ICMB) for the chess enthusiasts, according to a press release. This event will be focused on people across Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Mr. Shankar Agarwal, President, SOGF, said, "We are thrilled to bring the SOG Grandmasters Series to Chennai, a city with a rich legacy in mind sports. Our goal is to provide a platform where talent meets opportunity, and legends inspire the next generation. What makes this event so special is the fact that we are also inviting young minds of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands & Pondicherry to participate and provide local youth and aspiring players with exposure to national-level competition, helping them develop critical thinking, strategic skills, and confidence.' Koneru Humpy said"It is an honor to be associated with the SOG Grandmasters Series. Events like these are crucial in promoting intellectual games and nurturing young talent across the country. I look forward to witnessing some exceptional performances and inspiring stories in Chennai." SOGF recently hosted the SOG Grandmasters Series Championship North & East Zone in Gurugram, which recorded registrations from over 1,50,000 participants nationwide. Following the overwhelming success of previous editions, the Chennai chapter promises to bring together the nation's brightest talents in rummy and chess for two days of electrifying competition and camaraderie. The SOG Grandmasters Series continues its mission of spotlighting skill-based games and nurturing a new generation of strategic thinkers. UNI GV
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Highlights from the SOG Grandmasters Series: Rakesh Kumar's Zonal Victory
New Delhi, June 09, 2025 – Rakesh Kumar from Rishikesh has emerged as a rising star in India's skill-based gaming arena, gaining the prestigious title of Indian Rummy Grandmaster for the North & East Zone at the recently concluded SOG Grandmasters Series Championship. Held at the Hyatt Regency, Gurugram, the two-day tournament brought together some of India's finest minds, with over 1.5 lakh participants competing across rummy, chess, and chess for the blind. The Indian Rummy Grandmasters (IRG) event alone witnessed a turnout of 78,000 participants. After intense rounds and competitive gameplay, 150 finalists battled it out in the finals, culminating in Kumar's strategic victory. The tournament celebrated not only individual brilliance but also the growing recognition of mind sports in India's digital and youth-driven ecosystem. Organised by the Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF), the championship featured three major competitions: IRG, Indian Chess Masters (ICM), and Indian Chess Masters for Blind (ICMB). The ICM saw 3,500 participants, while the ICMB — conducted in partnership with the All India Chess Federation for the Blind — demonstrated the resilience and talent of visually impaired players, with 16 finalists selected from across India. The inclusive and vibrant event concluded with entertainment performances and award ceremonies, with dignitaries such as Gaurav Dhyanchand, Tournament Director and President of the Dhyanchand Foundation, and D.P. Raturi, former Air Force officer and hockey player, in attendance. The grand finale also featured participation from notable personalities including Sports Minister of Haryana Mr. Gaurav Gautam, Secretary of Sports Ms. Sujata Chaturvedi, legendary cricketer Kapil Dev, Chess Grandmaster Koneru Humpy, wrestler Ravi Kumar Dahiya, boxer-politician Vijender Singh, and several leaders from the SOG Federation. 'At SOGF, we are committed to building a future where mind sports are given the same recognition as traditional sports,' said Adv. Nandan Jha, Founder of SOGF. 'Rakesh Kumar's win is not just an individual achievement but a testament to the growing talent pool in India's skill-based gaming community. We are proud to create a platform that celebrates intellect, strategy, and digital excellence.' Founded by Adv. Nandan Jha, SOGF is a first-of-its-kind body aligning with international sports guidelines and India's digital growth vision. With support from tech platform partner Rummy Culture, the federation's unique 'phygital' format—combining physical tournaments with digital access—continues to democratize access to competitive gaming across regions. As India's sports industry gears up for a projected $130 billion valuation by 2030, milestones like these underline the potential of mind sports in shaping the future of competitive skill-based gaming in the country. Note to readers: This article is part of HT's paid consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. HT assumes no editorial responsibility for the content, including its accuracy, completeness, or any errors or omissions. Readers are advised to verify all information independently. Want to get your story featured as above? click here!
Business Standard
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
Rakesh Kumar Crowned Indian Rummy Grandmaster for North & East Zone at SOG Grandmasters Series
VMPL New Delhi [India], June 9: Rakesh Kumar from Rishikesh has emerged as a rising star in India's skill-based gaming arena, gaining the prestigious title of Indian Rummy Grandmaster for the North & East Zone at the recently concluded SOG Grandmasters Series Championship. Held at the Hyatt Regency, Gurugram, the two-day tournament brought together some of India's finest minds, with over 1.5 lakh participants competing across rummy, chess, and chess for the blind. The Indian Rummy Grandmasters (IRG) event alone witnessed a turnout of 78,000 participants. After intense rounds and competitive gameplay, 150 finalists battled it out in the finals, culminating in Kumar's strategic victory. The tournament celebrated not only individual brilliance but also the growing recognition of mind sports in India's digital and youth-driven ecosystem. Organised by the Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF), the championship featured three major competitions: IRG, Indian Chess Masters (ICM), and Indian Chess Masters for Blind (ICMB). The ICM saw 3,500 participants, while the ICMB -- conducted in partnership with the All India Chess Federation for the Blind -- demonstrated the resilience and talent of visually impaired players, with 16 finalists selected from across India. The inclusive and vibrant event concluded with entertainment performances and award ceremonies, with dignitaries such as Gaurav Dhyanchand, Tournament Director and President of the Dhyanchand Foundation, and D.P. Raturi, former Air Force officer and hockey player, in attendance. The grand finale also featured participation from notable personalities including Sports Minister of Haryana Mr. Gaurav Gautam, Secretary of Sports Ms. Sujata Chaturvedi, legendary cricketer Kapil Dev, Chess Grandmaster Koneru Humpy, wrestler Ravi Kumar Dahiya, boxer-politician Vijender Singh, and several leaders from the SOG Federation. "At SOGF, we are committed to building a future where mind sports are given the same recognition as traditional sports," said Adv. Nandan Jha, Founder of SOGF. "Rakesh Kumar's win is not just an individual achievement but a testament to the growing talent pool in India's skill-based gaming community. We are proud to create a platform that celebrates intellect, strategy, and digital excellence." Founded by Adv. Nandan Jha, SOGF is a first-of-its-kind body aligning with international sports guidelines and India's digital growth vision. With support from tech platform partner Rummy Culture, the federation's unique "phygital" format--combining physical tournaments with digital access--continues to democratize access to competitive gaming across regions.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Hailed by Kapil Dev and world chess champion Koneru Humpy, SOGF Grandmasters Series sets new benchmarks in Mind Sports
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) Grandmasters Series Championship concluded in Gurugram late Wednesday evening at an electrifying closing ceremony graced by Legendary Indian Cricketer Kapil Dev and World Rapid Chess Champion Koneru Humpy , who praised the growing prominence of mind sports in India, as per a release from the registrations from over 1,50,000 participants nationwide, the two-day event brought together elite talent in chess, blind chess, and rummy, marking a significant milestone in the country's skill-based gaming from April 29 to 30 at Hyatt Regency, Gurugram, the tournament culminated in fierce yet friendly competition, with Mitrabha Guha, Shubhi Gupta, Soundarya Kumar Pradhan, Satya and Rakesh Kumar emerging as winners in their respective categories. Haryana Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam and Kapil Dev gave away the are the names of the top three winners in each category: In the Indian Chess Masters (ICM) competition, the winners in the men's category were Mitrabha Guha (Winner), Namitbir Singh Walia (1st Runner-Up), and Gopal Krishna Maheshwari (2nd Runner-Up). In the Indian Chess Masters (ICM), in the women's category, the winners were Shubhi Gupta (Winner), Sachi Jain (1st Runner Up), and Diya Chowdhury (2nd Runner Up).For the Indian Chess Masters for Blind (ICMB), winners from the East Zone were Soundarya Kumar Pradhan (Winner), Shougata Chowdhury (1st Runner Up), Patra Subhendu Kumar (2nd Runner Up) and winners from the North Zone were Satya (Winner), Soumendra (1st Runner-Up), and Mayenk(2nd Runner-Up).For the Indian Rummy Grandmaster - North & East Zone, the winners were Rakesh Kumar (Winner), Sachin (1st Runner Up) and Ravi Kumar (2nd Runner Up).Celebrating the event's success, India's legendary cricketer Kapil Dev emphasised the importance of traditional Indian games in boosting mental agility, stating, "Games like chess and rummy aren't just entertainment--they're cognitive exercises that enhance memory, reduce stress, and build resilience."Koneru Humpy, ranked No. 5 globally, echoed optimism about India's trajectory in global chess. "We are witnessing a golden era," she said. "With world champion Gukesh and others in the top 10, India's future in chess is brighter than ever."The event was honoured by the presence of several esteemed dignitaries, including Haryana Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam, Wrestling guru Satpal Singh, Hockey Legend Ashok Dhyanchand, and Geoffrey Borg (CEO, International Mind Sports Association), reflecting the event's widespread acclaim and national Kumar Jha, Founder of SOGF, highlighted the broader vision: "This championship is a testament to India's rising interest in mind sports. Driven by Gen Z and fueled by digital transformation, esports in India has seen a 733% rise in players and a 108% growth in teams from 2020 to 2023. At SOGF, we aim to formalise and promote these games as serious, skill-based disciplines."The SOGF Grandmasters Series blends physical and digital ("phygital") formats to ensure accessibility, equity, and national recognition. With India's sports market projected to reach $130 billion by 2030, SOGF's initiatives are helping shape a future where cognitive excellence is celebrated alongside physical prowess.
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Business Standard
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
SOG Grandmasters championship culminates with stellar wins in Gurugram
The SOG Grandmasters Series Championship wrapped up on a high note in Gurugram on Wednesday evening, with an electrifying closing ceremony attended by cricket legend Mr. Kapil Dev and world rapid chess champion Ms. Koneru Humpy. Both dignitaries commended the increasing popularity of mind sports in India, highlighting their growing significance in the country's evolving sporting landscape. Drawing participation from over 1,50,000 registered players across India, the two-day championship was a celebration of skill-based gaming, featuring top-tier competitions in chess, blind chess, and rummy. Held from April 29 to 30 at the Hyatt Regency, Gurugram, the event showcased intense yet sportsmanlike contests across categories, culminating in a remarkable showcase of India's emerging talent. Among the many standouts, Mitrabha Guha, Shubhi Gupta, Soundarya Kumar Pradhan, Satya, and Rakesh Kumar took top honours in their respective divisions. The awards were presented by Haryana Sports Minister Mr. Gaurav Gautam and Mr. Kapil Dev, adding further prestige to the occasion. Also Read 1st Runner-Up: Namitbir Singh Walia 2nd Runner-Up: Gopal Krishna Maheshwari Indian Chess Masters (ICM) – Women's Category: Winner: Shubhi Gupta 1st Runner-Up: Sachi Jain 2nd Runner-Up: Diya Chowdhury Indian Chess Masters for Blind (ICMB): East Zone: Winner: Soundarya Kumar Pradhan 1st Runner-Up: Shougata Chowdhury 2nd Runner-Up: Patra Subhendu Kumar North Zone: Winner: Satya 1st Runner-Up: Soumendra 2nd Runner-Up: Mayenk Indian Rummy Grandmaster – North & East Zone: Winner: Rakesh Kumar 1st Runner-Up: Sachin 2nd Runner-Up: Ravi Kumar At the closing ceremony, Kapil Dev highlighted the mental benefits of traditional Indian games, stating, 'Games like chess and rummy aren't just forms of entertainment—they are mental workouts that improve memory, lower stress, and enhance mental strength.' Echoing his sentiments, Koneru Humpy, currently ranked World No. 5, spoke enthusiastically about India's ascent in global chess. 'We are living through a golden phase in Indian chess,' she noted. 'With talents like world champion Gukesh and others among the world's top players, our country's future in the sport looks incredibly promising.' The event also welcomed numerous distinguished guests, including Wrestling icon Satpal Singh, Hockey great Ashok Dhyanchand, and Geoffrey Borg, CEO of the International Mind Sports Association, all of whom lent their support and admiration to the championship's success. Mr. Nandan Kumar Jha, Founder of the SOG Foundation (SOGF), emphasized the broader vision of the initiative: 'This tournament reflects India's fast-growing enthusiasm for mind sports. With significant contributions from Gen Z and rapid advancements in digital platforms, esports has seen a remarkable 733% rise in players and a 108% increase in team formation between 2020 and 2023. At SOGF, we're committed to elevating these skill-based games into recognized, competitive disciplines.' The SOG Grandmasters Series has successfully blended both physical and digital elements—what the organizers call a 'phygital' approach—making the event more accessible, inclusive, and widely recognized. With India's sports industry projected to hit $130 billion by 2030, initiatives like SOGF are playing a key role in shaping a future where intellectual excellence is celebrated alongside physical
