Amitabh Kant, a member of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India and former CEO of NITI Aayog, stated on Saturday that India will produce world-beating golfers in the coming years. Speaking on the sidelines of the DP World India Championship in New Delhi, Kant expressed confidence that a female golfer would likely achieve the country's defining moment in the sport before a male player. According to ThePrint, Kant attributed this optimism to India's demographic advantage and the rising participation of young people in the game.
Kant compared India's potential in golf to its dominance in cricket, arguing that the nation has only just begun its journey in the sport. He noted that the country's age structure and population dynamics are favorable for future success. "In the next decade, we’ll capture world golf," Kant said, as reported by ThePrint. He added that as more young Indians start playing and winning international honors, the country will inevitably establish itself on the global stage.
Amandeep Johl, the CEO of the PGTI, echoed these sentiments by drawing a parallel to India's 1983 Cricket World Cup victory. Johl stated that the tour is waiting for a similar "magic moment" in golf, referencing the recent gold medal won by Pranavi Urs at the Asian Games. He recalled the 1982 Asian Games triumph in Delhi, where the Indian team defied expectations, and expressed hope that a comparable breakthrough is imminent.
Johl outlined the PGTI's strategy to provide Indian professionals with greater exposure to international competition. The tour is collaborating with overseas circuits, including the South African Sunshine Tour, South Korea, and Japan, to create jointly sanctioned events. Additionally, the PGTI has launched a program to fund its own players for foreign tournaments, aiming to help them navigate the challenges of competing abroad.
Kant also advocated for structural changes in sports development, emphasizing the need for merit-based admissions at the university level to produce Olympic and world champions. He suggested that golf infrastructure should rely on private investment rather than solely on government support, noting that golf courses in tier-two and tier-three cities could facilitate business deals and diplomatic relations.
The statements were made during the DP World India Championship, with both officials highlighting the growing ecosystem and talent pool in Indian golf. Kant's comments underscored a long-term vision, while Johl focused on immediate tactical support for players seeking international experience.