Gen Next of Indian golf look to make a mark on India Championship debut
A new generation of Indian golfers, including Vishesh Sharma and Manoj S, are ready to make their mark at the $4 million India Championship.
A new generation of golfing talent is poised to capture the spotlight at the prestigious $4 million India Championship 2026. As the event tees off at the historic Delhi Golf Club (DGC), the focus shifts toward the "Gen Next" of Indian golf—a group of exceptionally talented youngsters aged between 18 and 22 who are ready to challenge the established veterans.
The Youth Brigade Takes Center Stage
While the tournament features seasoned professionals like Order of Merit leader Saptak Talwar, Khalin Joshi, Veer Ahlawat, and Rashid Khan, the presence of rising stars adds a layer of intense excitement to the competition. These young athletes have secured their spots by finishing within the top-24 of the Race to India Championship following the season's penultimate event, the Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship.
The standout youngsters entering the fray include:
- Vishesh Sharma (19): Currently ranked 16th on the PGTI Order of Merit, the Hyderabad-based player is riding high after a breakthrough win at his home course last month.
- Manoj S (18): The Bengaluru-based golfer has surged up the rankings, moving from 26th to 17th on the PGTI Order of Merit after a strong performance in Greater Noida.
- Anshul Kabthiyal (21): A consistent performer with four top-10 finishes this season, including a runner-up finish.
- Kartik Singh (16): The youngest player in the field, the former top-ranked junior and amateur is making his mark in his debut professional season.
- Shubham Jaglan (22): A former India No. 1 junior who has already secured a maiden professional title this season.
Ambition and Inspiration at the DGC
For Vishesh Sharma, the opportunity to compete on such a massive stage is a significant milestone. "It’s an honour to be here, playing alongside the biggest golfing stars in the world and my fellow Indian players," Sharma remarked. "We’re all proud to represent India, and this is a huge opportunity to show what we can do and what Indian golf has to offer."
The challenge is not lost on the younger players. Manoj S, reflecting on his recent qualification, noted the difficulty of the upcoming week. "I managed to [qualify], so now I want to stay focused, carry that momentum into this week and see how it goes. It is a tough course, and I am not hitting driver at all this week. I am looking forward to the challenge."
For the teenage sensation Kartik Singh, the tournament represents a dream come true. Having grown up watching global icons like Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, Singh is eager to soak in the experience. "To now have the chance to play alongside my idols feels really special," Singh said. "My main goal is to enjoy the week and make the most of this experience."
As the tournament begins at the Delhi Golf Club, the golfing world will be watching closely to see if this "Gen Next" can disrupt the order and signal a new era for Indian golf.