Businessman Raj Kundra yesterday announced the launch of the Match Indian Poker League (MIPL) and said the new league will help in changing the perception of the sport in India
Raj Kundra. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar
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Businessman Raj Kundra yesterday announced the launch of the Match Indian Poker League (MIPL) and said the new league will help in changing the perception of the sport in India.
The two-day league will be held in Mumbai from October 14 to 15 and will see eight franchises battle it out for an opportunity to represent India at the Poker World Cup to be held at Oxford, England in December.
The eight teams participating in the inaugural tournament are Mumbai All Stars, Ahmedabad Hearts, Bangalore Royals, Delhi Aces, Goa Kings, Jaipur Jewels, Kolkata Diamonds and Pune Knights.
"Poker is a sport and it's all about skills," said Kundra, on the sidelines of the launch ceremony at a city hotel yesterday said. "Through this league we want to change the perception it's just gaming and gambling. We are confident that with this new league, we will succeed in attracting more and more youngsters to the sport," Kundra added.
The President of the International Federation of Poker, Patrick Nally echoed Kundra's views.
"Poker has a particular relevance to youngsters. The sport is based on maths. It teaches you risk assessment, probability and on top of that, it teaches you to be social. It helps you learn other range of life skills too," Nally said.
The selection of the players for the franchises will be done by the federation from the national leader board and teams can then make a choice on which player they want to include in their squad.
Players need to download an application and compete for points. Indian Poker Federation president, Varun Goenka said the format minimises the role of luck and optimises the player's skill quotient.
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