Mumbai, Feb 27: Veteran India batter Ajinkya Rahane has been announced as the brand ambassador for the West Zone Finals of the SOGF Grandmasters Series set to held here on March 3-4. After the resounding success of the South Zone 1 in Bengaluru, the Grandmasters Series, an initiative of the Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF), now moves to the West Zone.

With a staggering 1,50,000 registrations, the competition has solidified its position as one of India's premier skill-based mind sports championship in its online format. Ajinkya Rahane Eyes India Return After Century in Haryana vs Mumbai Ranji Trophy 2024–25 Clash, Says ‘Test Cricket Still Ultimate for Me; Hunger To Make Comeback Alive’.

Ajinkya Rahane as Brand Ambassador for West Zone Finals of SOGF Grandmasters Series

"I am happy to join forces with SOGF to intensify the growth of mind sports in India," Rahane said in a release. "The strategic thinking, discipline, and problem-solving skills associated with mind sports will help nurture future-ready citizens, strengthening India's competitive edge on a global stage."

The tournament has seen massive engagement across categories, with 78,000 players competing in the online qualifiers for the Indian Rummy Grandmasters (IRG), leading to 150 finalists. Ajinkya Rahane Hits 41st Century in First-Class Cricket, Achieves Feat During Haryana vs Mumbai Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Quarter-Final.

Similarly, the Indian Chess Masters (ICM) saw 3500 players registering for the online qualifiers, with 32 players (16 men and 16 women) advancing to the finals. The Indian Chess Masters for the Blind (ICMB) selected 16 top players through zonal events conducted by the All India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB). The West Zone finalists will compete for a spot in the SOGF Grandmasters National Finals.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)