New Delhi, 17 October 2026: India has the potential to produce world-class golfers over the next decade, DP World PGTI board member Amitabh Kant said on Saturday, pointing to the country’s young population, wider access to the game and more international exposure for Indian players.
Kant, a former CEO of NITI Aayog and India’s former G20 Sherpa, was speaking at a media interaction on the sidelines of the DP World India Championship at Delhi Golf Club. He was joined by Atul Chaturvedi, Member of the National Company Law Tribunal and a former Secretary to the Government of India, and Amandeep Johl, CEO of the DP World PGTI.
Following cricket’s path
Kant compared golf’s position today with India’s journey in cricket.
“India has established itself in world cricket, and we are now beginning a similar journey in golf. Golf is entering an exciting phase in the country. This is a rare opportunity,” he said. “The crowds coming to watch some of the world’s best golfers will inspire young Indians to take up the game. Our demographics are in our favour, and I believe the next decade can produce Indian golfers who will compete and win on the world stage.”
Beyond the big cities
Kant said the idea of golf as an elitist sport was changing. “Tier-two and tier-three cities can produce some of our best golfers,” he said.
He mentioned a strong response from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, and the Chhattisgarh Government’s work to promote golf and build facilities for young players.
“If young boys and girls from tribal communities get those opportunities, there is no reason they cannot become exceptional golfers. Over the next 10 years, we want to see the game flourish across India and our players win global tournaments,” he said.
Kant urged large companies to follow DP World’s example in supporting golf. He also suggested that 25 per cent of college and university admissions be based on sporting merit, using clear criteria such as state representation, so that athletes can continue their education while they compete.
A case for golf tourism
Chaturvedi said India could also attract golfers from abroad.
“I believe India has excellent golf courses and supporting infrastructure. What we need is stronger branding. India offers exceptional value as a golfing destination, both in terms of its courses and the cost of playing,” he said. “Just as India has developed as a destination for health tourism, there is an opportunity to build golf tourism.”
Waiting for golf’s 1983
Johl set out the tour’s plans to give its players tougher competition. These include inviting players from the Sunshine, Korean, Thai and Japan tours, adding more events co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour and the HotelPlanner Tour, and funding Indian players at overseas qualifying schools.
He used India’s 1983 Cricket World Cup win as a reference point. “The 1983 cricket World Cup changed what India believed it could achieve. We are working towards a similar moment in golf. It could happen at the DP World India Championship, the Indian Open or somewhere else. We cannot predict it, but we can keep creating opportunities,” he said.
Johl added that building a sporting culture takes decades and that policies and investment need time to show results. Read about the DP World PGTI’s new player support programme.
