New Delhi, April 10, 2025 –
Kapil Dev, the iconic cricketer who etched his name in history as the captain of India’s 1983 Cricket World Cup-winning team, has been announced as the Brand Ambassador for the North and East Zone Finals of the SOGF Grandmasters Series.
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Organized by the Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF), this premier mind sports championship will culminate in a thrilling showdown on April 29 and 30 at the luxurious Hyatt Regency in Gurugram. After the South Zone finals in Bengaluru and West Zone’s in Mumbai, the series now turns its spotlight to the North and East, aiming to unearth India’s brightest talents in Chess, Chess for the Blind, and Rummy.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Kapil Dev, a Padma Bhushan awardee, said, “Mind sports are witnessing an incredible surge worldwide, propelled by high-speed internet, digital platforms, and growing accessibility. I’m delighted to join hands with SOGF to champion this movement in India. Strategic thinking, mental agility, discipline, and problem-solving—these are the qualities mind sports nurture, much like cricket. These skills are essential for shaping individuals who can compete on a global stage, and I’m proud to support an initiative that enhances India’s presence in this arena.”
Incidentally, Koneru Humpy, a celebrated Indian Chess Grandmaster and a recipient of Padmashri award, is the brand ambassador for the entire SOGF series. Humpy’s decorated career includes multiple World Youth Chess Championship titles and two victories in the Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship (2019 and 2024), alongside gold medals at the Olympiad, Asian Games, and Asian Championships. Beyond her individual achievements and ambassadorship, Humpy continues to inspire generations of chess players in India and beyond, solidifying her status as a pivotal figure in the world of mind sports.
Her commitment to the SOGF’s initiative to popularize mind sports was further demonstrated by her presence at the Mumbai event last month, underscoring her support for the series’ vision to cultivate talent and elevate strategic games within the nation.
“Being part of the SOGF series, including my presence at the Mumbai event, has been a rewarding experience. I truly believe in its potential to unearth and nurture India’s mind sports talent. I look forward to witnessing its growth and impact, confident that it will become a significant milestone on the Indian sports calendar, attracting top players from around the world,” she said.
The SOGF Grandmasters Series has already made waves with unprecedented participation. Across its online qualifiers in the past, the tournament recorded more than 1,50,000 registrations, reflecting its status as India’s leading skill-based mind sports championship. The Indian Rummy Grandmasters (IRG) category saw 78,000 players compete online, with 150 advancing to the finals after intense rounds. The Indian Chess Masters (ICM) drew 3,500 registrants, narrowing down to 32 finalists—16 men and 16 women—who will battle it out in Gurugram. Demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity, the Indian Chess Masters for the Blind (ICMB) worked with the All India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB) to select 16 exceptional players through zonal events, ensuring diverse representation.
SOGF President Shankar Aggarwal highlighted Kapil Dev’s impact, stating, “Having Kapil Dev as our Brand Ambassador for the North and East Zone Finals is a game-changer. His towering legacy in sports and his ability to inspire generations align perfectly with our vision. His involvement will not only elevate the profile of mind sports but also accelerate our efforts to create a structured ecosystem that celebrates strategic brilliance and cognitive excellence across India.”
The North and East Zone Finals will be a “phygital” experience, blending physical and digital elements to captivate players and spectators alike. The event builds on the momentum of earlier zones, where winners received the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Scholarship along with Prize Money totaling more than INR 60 lakhs lakh across South and West zones—to support emerging mind sports talent. In Gurugram, finalists will compete not only for regional glory but also for a coveted spot in the SOGF Grandmasters National Finals in New Delhi later this year. The national stage will crown the ultimate champions across all categories, with titles like the Indian Rummy Grandmaster, Indian Chess Master, and Indian Chess Master for the Blind up for grabs.
The SOGF Grandmasters Series also offers a robust prize structure and recognition. Beyond the scholarship, winners will gain exposure through SOGF’s partnerships with global bodies like the International Esports Federation (IESF), International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), and Global Esports Federation (GEF). These collaborations underscore SOGF’s ambition to host international tournaments in India, further solidifying the country’s foothold in the global gaming landscape.
About SOGF:
The Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) is a not-for-profit organization committed to advancing esports and skilled online gaming in India. Founded to nurture talent and build a thriving ecosystem, SOGF organizes events like the Grandmasters Series to bridge grassroots players with professional opportunities. Its alliances with international federations aim to bring world-class competitions to Indian soil, fostering a new era of mind sports excellence.
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