New Delhi, June 8 (IANS) 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

India has had an illustrious history in golf at the Asian Games, clinching three gold and three silver medals. The Indian quartet of Lakshman Singh, Rishi Narain, Amit Luthra and Rajeev Mohta won the team gold back in 1982 Asiad. Lakshman Singh also captured an individual gold medal. Shiv Kapur won the individual gold at the 2002 Busan Asian Games. At the 2006 Doha Asian Games, Team India comprising of Anirban Lahiri, Gaganjeet Bhullar and Joseph Chakola clinched silver. In 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, the Indian team of Rashid Khan, Rahul Bajaj, Abhinav Lohan and Abhijit Singh Chadha won the silver medal.

–IANS

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