THE PLAYERS
P for party and poker! Ahead of the final matches of Match Indian Poker League on November 17-18 in Mumbai, Team Kolkata Diamonds unveiled their jersey, designed by Dev R Nil, at Park Street Privilege Club on November 3. “The team jersey has been inspired by the logo itself! The base has been kept neutral grey so that the logo stands out. The shoulder red patch is in sync with the ‘Diamond’ pattern and also it’s our take on the alphabet ‘K’ which of course stands for our city of joy and pride, Kolkata!” said Dev and Nil. “Our focus is to play the game in the best spirit, get the cup and represent India in the world championship. Even if we don’t make it, our support is with the team which represents our country. So, good luck to all!” said Sunny Karira, who co-owns Kolkata Diamonds with Deepak Keswani.
TEAM KOLKATA DIAMONDS
(l-r) Mukul Agarwal, Jayjit Ray, Akhil Jain, Rohan Singh, Aditya Goenka, Shammi Karira, Shuchi Chamaria, Pranay Bachhawat, Anil Adiani (captain), team manager Tanmoy Chakraborty and Niwesh Sharma (not in picture) got together for a t2 snap. MIPL is backed by the International Federation of Poker (IFP) and India Poker Federation. Team Kolkata Diamonds will compete with six teams from across the country.
“Match Poker is the only official form of poker that is recognised as a sport globally. So this is a big step forward for India, specifically regarding poker. May the best team win and in the end we are all rooting for Team India,” said Varun Goenka, the president of India Poker Federation.
THE CHIC SQUAD
Host of the party Archana Vijaya slayed in a sheer black jumpsuit at the jersey launch. “This city is close to my heart and it gives me immense joy to come back here and have a gala time with my friends,” said the IPL anchor.
TV actress Karishma Tanna, who was the guest of honour, turned heads in a Zeynep Kartal French lace dress and Christian Louboutin heels. “I know how to play chess and teen patti but I don’t know how to play poker, so I am definitely aiming to learn this sport!” she said.
Raj Kundra, whose Viaan Industries Ltd launched the Match Indian Poker League (MIPL) in August this year, struck a pose with guest Raima Sen. “I love Calcutta and I have been here time and again... during the IPL and it was horrible losing to Kolkata Knight Riders. The city has been very welcoming, so I had to continue with the ‘IPL’ (Indian Poker League)! Poker is sadly still considered a taboo by many but it is a sport that needs a lot of skill,” said Raj.
“I am not a pro but a fun poker player and I play to win!” confessed Davina Thacker at the party.
“Friends like family, all my favourites in one frame!” posted Archana on her Instagram account. (L-R) Nekita Bhalla, Varun Thapar, Raima and Dhruv Bhalla with Archana.
Text: Pramita Ghosh
Pictures: Rashbehari Das
