1 hr ago
Indian Golf Groups Seek Government Support To Expand Access
India’s golf leaders want more children and young athletes to be able to play golf.
They say golf is often seen as a sport only for wealthy people.
The Women’s Golf Association of India says many players lack suitable equipment and basic practice facilities.
Golfers also have to pay for coaches who help with their minds and bodies.
The association wants to provide some of these coaches directly.
Leaders suggested building small practice areas instead of always needing large golf courses.
They pointed to Japan and South Korea, where players can use nets and small facilities.
They believe government support could make golf more affordable and popular.
They also say golf could offer playing and other jobs in the future.
The Women’s Golf Association of India is urging stronger government support and grassroots facilities to broaden golf participation.
WGAI President Kavita Singh said inadequate equipment, facilities and costly coaching are limiting Indian women golfers.
WGAI plans to provide mental and physical coaching directly to players to reduce their expenses.
Officials proposed compact practice areas, including nets and small greens, modeled on facilities in Japan and South Korea.
Hero MotoCorp executive Sanjay Bhan and WGAI Secretary General Champika Sayal said wider access could challenge golf’s elite image and create careers.
- Who
- The Women’s Golf Association of India, including Kavita Singh and Champika Sayal, along with Hero MotoCorp executive Sanjay Bhan.
- What
- They called for government backing, grassroots facilities and better resources to make golf more accessible in India.
- Where
- The articles do not specify the location beyond referring to it as “here.”
- When
- The comments were made on Tuesday during a press conference for the Hero Women’s Indian Open 2026.
- Why
- To reduce financial and infrastructure barriers, challenge golf’s elite image, expand participation and create career opportunities.
Key facts
- Organization
- Women’s Golf Association of India
- WGAI president
- Kavita Singh
- WGAI secretary general
- Champika Sayal
- Corporate partner
- Hero MotoCorp
- Main barriers
- Limited facilities and equipment, plus the cost of mental and physical coaches
- Suggested models
- Japan and South Korea’s compact practice facilities, including nets and small greens
- Proposed timeline
- The Skill Development Ministry and Sports Ministry were urged to work together over the next five years
Quotes
Champika Sayal
Secretary general of the Women’s Golf Association of India
“Right now, these girls are hiring mental coaches and physical coaches at their own expense. We want to change that, and starting this year, the board is working to bring these resources to them directly.”
rediff.com
“It is very important that the Skill Development Ministry and the Sports Ministry work in tandem to make sure this happens over the next five years. It is very, very crucial.”
rediff.com
Sources
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