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Bridging the gap
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B.M. Malani continues be an inspiration to the aspiring bridge players
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LAURELS GALORE B.M. Malani being felicitated
B.M. Malani who was felicitated by the members and office bearers of the state bridge association and several other dignitaries recently for his services to the game has been one of the most well known figures in the sport.
Known popularly as `Bansi Raja' in the bridge world, he hails from an old and aristocratic family. He started playing bridge in early 60's at Fateh Maidan Club and played his first national championship in 1964 at Kanpur. In 1966, the Malani team was formed along with Quadri, his guru and ever since then Quadri has been his permanent partner.
Malani joined his family business in the 60's after his obtaining his B.com as a gold medallist from Osmania University. But his main passion was and always has been bridge. The atmosphere in the Malani home was always charged up about this game. His son Krishna Kumar, who now stays in South Africa also took to the sport and remains a very keen bridge player.
Malani represented the country in the Far East Bridge Federation Championship held at Bangkok in 1975 and partnered the Late Subhash Agarwala to represent the country in Switzerland.
Bansi Raja's proficiency in the game and his matchless temperament along with his shining and ever smiling countenance made him one of the most popular players in the Indian bridge fraternity. He was often regarded as a lovable `killer' by his opponents - for he was known to be a friendly opponent on the bridge table, even going to the extent of helping opponents during major tournaments. One would never ever find him playing foul.
Always non-controversial, Bansi Raja served the game in two ways. Firstly by his extraordinary skill in handling the cards and secondly by his devotion in training the youngsters and placing them on the right track.
He helped to make many bridge enthusiasts better players and also patronised many individuals and teams for the cause of the sport. The late K.V. Krishna Murthy, affectionately called as `The Master' was his disciple. The guru-shishya duo were so respected that the crowds would usually throng to their table in tournaments to watch their moves. Among Malani's other students who performed brilliantly in National, Zonal and State level tournaments were Dr.K. Srinivas, Dr. Sunil Gunti, K.Vijaya Kumar, K. Karunakar Reddy and Ashok Kulkarni who was a team member when Malanis' team representing Andhra regained the Ruia Gold Cup in 1976 held in Bombay. Bansi Raja encouraged everybody around him to grow including his wife Aruna who is a successful businesswomen and active social worker. With so many laurels to his credit, he is now regarded as an ambassador of this game of gentlemen.
Some of his achievements: Represented India in 1975 far-east championship at Bangkok; Winner of Ruia gold trophy (National Championship 1974) at Calcutta;Winner of Ruia Gold trophy (National Championship1976) at Bombay; Gurudutt trophy Inter state in 1975 at Bangalore; Singhania (Board -A-Match) trophy 1971 at Kakinada; Holkar trophy (National Master Pairs) 1972 at Nagpur; Winner of Singhania trophy 1980 at Delhi Nationals; Agarwala trophy (National pairs) 1975 at Hyderabad; Distinction of winning first ever cash prize tournament in India at Calcutta for Outram Club Calcutta; Distinction of winning first cash prize pair event in India at Delhi.
Since the commencement of master points he and his partner remained on top till they last played together and he won almost all tournaments conducted at Hyderabad and in Andhra Pradesh.
A.S.G.
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