We will provide full support and 'comfort level' to Indian golfers at Asian Games: PGTI chief Kapil Dev

NEW DELHI: Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) President Kapil Dev on Monday backed the country's next generation of golfers to deliver an impactful performance at the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan and stated that the governing body would provide all the backing to the athletes.

The Indian Golf Union (IGU) had announced a stellar six-member squad, headlined by seasoned Olympians Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar alongside PGTI's rising star Yuvraj Sandhu, who spearheaded the men's contingent following a record-breaking domestic season.

The 1983 World Cup-winning captain noted that the modern talent pool has shrunk the gap between the established stars and the emerging contenders.

"I think it's very good. There's not much of a difference these days as all the young people are coming through. They are consistently delivering performances, and I just hope that during that crucial week, they can keep their nerves and play better," Kapil Dev told IANS.

While confirming that he would not be flying to Japan for the continental showpiece himself, the PGTI chief stated that, "I'm not traveling. However, our office people—maybe one or two individuals—will travel to provide them with that comfort level, whatever support we can extend from the PGTI side."

Offering words of mentorship for the continental-bound squad, he highlighted that mental focus remain the key factor behind achieving ultimate success on the international stage.

"The mantra is just to work hard and focus on yourself. I think that's incredibly important because while it is easy to say, the real test lies in maintaining that focus when you are chasing ultimate glory," Kapil Dev concluded.

Yuvraj Sandhu, who is currently ranked 451st in the world, will be leading the Indian men’s squad comprising of Veer Ahlawat (World No. 558) and Saptak Talwar (World No. 576)

LPGA Tour regular and current World No. 135, Aditi Ashok, will be leading the women’s squad also including Diksha Dagar (World No. 221) and Pranavi Urs (World No. 270). Aditi had won the individual silver at the 2023 Hangzhou Asiad. The entries were decided as per the IGU Selection policy