Kapil Dev joins SOGF Grandmasters Series as brand ambassador for the North and East Zone Finals

Kapil Dev, the former captain who led India to victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup, is now the Brand Ambassador for the North and East Zone Finals of the SOGF Grandmasters Series. The Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) organises mind sports tournament. The event will be held on April 29 and 30 at Hyatt Regency, Gurugram. It follows events in Bengaluru (South Zone) and Mumbai (West Zone). The tournament aims to find India's best players in Chess, Chess for the Blind, and Rummy.

Kapil Dev shared his enthusiasm for the event. “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.”

SOGF President Shankar Aggarwal said that having Kapil Dev as the Brand Ambassador is a significant advantage. Koneru Humpy, a Padma Shri awardee and successful chess player, is the torchbearer for the entire SOGF Grandmasters Series.


Over 1.5 lakh entries were received in the online qualifying rounds. The Indian Rummy Grandmasters (IRG) category had more than 78,000 participants, with 150 reaching the finals. The Indian Chess Masters (ICM) category had 3,500 registrations, resulting in 32 finalists (half men and half women).

The SOGF Grandmasters Series offers over Rs 60 lakh in scholarships and cash prizes. Winners will also receive the Major Dhyan Chand Scholarship.