About Us
1. Introduction
BFI was established in 1952 as the governing body of the game of contract bridge in India. BFI is the apex body in India recognized by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Govt. Of India in priority Category. BFI is responsible for development and conduct of the game in line with guidelines issued by World Bridge Federation (WBF), selection of national teams for various global events at the global, Asian and zonal level. It is part of the Bridge Federation of Asia and Middle East (BFAME) created which conducts selection trials for global events to represent the zone. Apart from the above responsibilities, BFI interacts with the Government of India for various aspects relating to development of Bridge and is supported by Sports Authority of India.
2. Committees
BFI operates through a number of committees focussed on various activities. The apex committee is called the Executive committee which is headed by a President with a number of secretaries, treasurer and vice presidents focussed on various aspects of the game. It operates through the following committees:
a. Advisory and Finance Committee
Raise the finances for the federation, advice the federation on the budget and expenditure on different heads.
b. Indian Team Selection Committee
Study, approve and endorse the selection of players to represent India recommended through the procedures laid down by the National Ranking Policy and advise of Ranking Committee & Technical development committee as well the guidelines as per Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs and Sports Authority of India.
Appraisal of the performance of the athletes as per the selection camps and recommendations of National coach and appointed coaches.
Select Indian teams for Men/Open/Mixed/Women and Seniors Category as applicable.
c. Athletes Commission
To ensure communication between the federation and the players and advice federation with regard to the national implemented policies, tournament schedules and formats, redress of player grievances, training and talent development programs and players welfare.
d. Ethics Commission
Advice federation on the code and conduct of players, directors and other technical staff and take immediate action on offenders.
e. Technical Development Committee
Advice federation on procedure for selection process, system policies, bidding Systems suitable for events in India, Code and conduct for directors to implement and administer bidding methods, education to directors for proceeding during the event.
f. Directors Accreditation Committee
Advice federation on appointments of directors, up gradation and promotion methods, Code and conduct for directors, educate directors for proceeding during the event.
g. Event Format and Conditions of Contest Committee
Advise federation on formats suitable for events in India, Create events and general conditions of contest, SCOC and revise the BFI Handbook to the existing bridge environment in India.
h. Junior Development Committee
Advice federation on junior development, promotion, selection etc.
i. Women and Girls Development Committee
Advice federation on Women development, promotion, etc
j. Internal Compliance Committee
With a view to addressing complaints concerning sexual harassment of women sportspersons and to promote healthy environment in sports and take strict measures against offenders in a timely manner
k. Media and Publicity
Create infrastructure to spread the awareness of the game in general masses. Involve media, give publicity, etc.
l. Education Program and Teaching Committee
Create infrastructure, Syllabus, propagate to schools and colleges.
3. States and Affiliates
BFI governs through its state associations and affiliates who are responsible for development and conduct of the game in their respective domains. Each state/affiliate is headed by a president and an organization structure to support the activities in their domain. State and affiliate units operate independently under the guidance of BFI.
4. Bridge Pathshala
BFI has plans to establish at various cities and rural areas, Bridge education centres under the brand name Bridge Pathshala. Education services are provided by Bridge Pathshala which reports into a combined governing council of BFI and any other body engaged in promotion of sports.