Local leaders honour India’s rising mind sports champion as SOGF builds grassroots momentum for strategic gaming
Kadus, Maharashtra | 17th July 2025: Tanaji Gargote from Kadus village, Taluka Khed, has earned the prestigious title of Indian Rummy Grandmaster for the West Zone at the recently concluded SOG Grandmasters Series Championship. In a proud moment for the local community, a felicitation ceremony was held in the champion’s honour, marking a significant milestone for skill-based gaming in rural India.
The event was held in Kadus village, where Mrs. Hemlata Khedkar, Sarpanch of Kadus, felicitated the winner for his outstanding strategic performance. The ceremony was also attended by Sarpanchs from neighbouring villages and Panchayat Members of Kadus, who came together to celebrate the rising talent and extend their heartfelt best wishes for the upcoming National Finals.
Organised by the Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF), the Grandmasters Series is one of India’s largest platforms for mind sports, featuring contests in rummy, chess, and chess for the blind. The championship adopts a phygital format seamlessly blending physical presence with digital gameplay, making it accessible and inclusive across India’s varied regions and demographics.
“At SOGF, we aim to bring every corner of India into the fold of recognised competitive gaming,” said Adv. Nandan Jha, Founder of SOGF. “The victory from Kadus is not just an individual triumph but a reflection of how strategy and intellect are flourishing at the grassroots. This is the future of mind sports in India.”
Backed by technology partner Rummy Culture, SOGF continues to democratise access to skill-based gaming in alignment with India’s growing digital vision. With India’s sports and gaming economy poised to hit $130 billion by 2030, champions like Tanaji Gargote are leading a new wave of recognition for strategic intellect as a competitive edge.
All eyes now turn to the Nationals, which will be held on the National Sports Day of India, 29th of August, at New Delhi, where Tanaji Gargote will represent the West Zone, aiming to clinch the SOG IRG title and etch his name among India’s top minds in gaming.
