Kapil Dev backs Indian golfers to make their mark at Asian Games
Legendary sportsman Kapil Dev extends his best wishes to India's men's and women's golf teams competing at the Asian Games in Japan.
Legendary Indian sportsman and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) President Kapil Dev has extended his heartfelt best wishes to India’s men’s and women’s golf teams ahead of their high-stakes competition at the Asian Games in Japan.
A Call to Play Fearlessly
As the Indian contingent prepares to take on the world's best on international soil, Kapil Dev emphasized that representing the nation is the ultimate honor. He praised the selected athletes for the grit and consistency required to reach this level.
"Representing India at the Asian Games is the highest honour. I extend my best wishes to Veer, Saptak, Yuvraj, Aditi, Diksha and Pranavi as they prepare to compete for the country in Japan. Each of them has earned this opportunity through determination, discipline and consistently strong performances. They possess the talent, experience and temperament to perform successfully on this major international stage," said Kapil Dev.
Dev urged the golfers to embrace the responsibility of the tricolor and play with absolute confidence. His message to the squad was simple: believe in yourselves, play without fear, and leave everything on the course.
The Indian Contingent
The selected golfers represent the pinnacle of Indian golf, featuring both seasoned veterans and rising stars:
- Men’s Section: Yuvraj Sandhu, Saptak Talwar, and Veer Ahlawat.
- Women’s Section: Aditi Ashok, Diksha Dagar, and Pranavi Urs.
Amandeep Johl, CEO of PGTI, added that the presence of the men's trio—Yuvraj, Veer, and Saptak—reflects the growing strength of the Indian tour and the international pathways provided by the DP World PGTI. He noted that the trio possesses the competitive temperament to mount a serious medal challenge.
The Heavyweights: Yuvraj Sandhu and Veer Ahlawat
The men's side enters the tournament with significant international experience. Yuvraj Sandhu, a dominant force in Indian golf, arrives in Japan following a historic 2025 season. Sandhu became the first player to win seven titles in a single season on the PGTI, setting a new record for season earnings with INR 1,91,67,100. Having secured a DP World Tour card, his experience on the global stage makes him a formidable contender.
Sandhu noted that his recent experience in Japan and playing on the DP World Tour has prepared him for the specific conditions. "I think playing on the DP World Tour has polished my game so I feel ready to tackle the course. It’s rained a lot there recently so the course will definitely be softer," Sandhu remarked.
Joining him is Veer Ahlawat, the 2024 PGTI Order of Merit champion. A six-time PGTI winner, Ahlawat has also competed on the DP World Tour. Having visited the course in Japan just last month, Ahlawat highlighted the technical demands of the venue.
"The course was short, and mostly those are the courses we play here in India. I think the main challenge in Japan is to get your wedges tuned in, and spin control will play a major role. In short courses, we have to be very precise on the tee," Ahlawat explained.