With the 19th Asian Games underway, golf lovers worldwide are gearing up for an exhilarating display of skill and precision at the West Lake International Golf Course in Hangzhou, China, where the golfing action is set to kick off on September 28. India’s contingent of golfers is poised for the challenge, with a stellar line-up of seasoned professionals and emerging talents ready to make their mark on the Asian Games stage.

Leading the charge for India are the experienced golfing stalwarts Anirban Lahiri, Haryana’s Shubhankar Sharma, SSP Chawrasia, Khalin Joshi, and Aditi Ashok. These golfers bring with them a wealth of international experience and impressive rankings, making them formidable contenders in their respective events. Joining them are the promising up-and-comers Avani Prashanth and Pranavi Urs. Together, this formidable team is primed to script a new chapter in India’s golfing history at the prestigious Asian Games.

As we eagerly anticipate their performance at the 19th Asian Games, it’s worth taking a stroll down memory lane to revisit some of India’s finest moments in golf at previous editions of the Asian Games. Golf made its debut in the Asian Games back in 1982 when New Delhi played host to the event. It was a historic moment for Indian golf as the contingent achieved a remarkable feat, securing both the individual and team gold medals.

Lakshman Singh emerged as the very first individual gold medalist in golf at the Asian Games, etching his name into the annals of Indian sports. His stellar performance was complemented by Rajiv Mohta, who clinched the silver medal. Additionally, the quartet comprising Lakshman Singh, Rajiv Mohta, Rishi Narain, and Amit Luthra secured the coveted team gold. Lakshman Singh’s achievement earned him the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1982, further cementing his place in Indian golfing history.

Shiv Kapur continued India’s golfing success at the Asian Games by becoming the second individual gold medalist in golf after Lakshman Singh. His remarkable achievement came at the Busan Asian Games, adding another glittering chapter to India’s golfing legacy.

In 2006, at the Doha Games, the Indian quartet of Anirban Lahiri, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Joseph Chakola, and Chiragh Kumar showcased their immense talent by securing the team’s silver medal. However, despite this collective achievement, none of the talented amateur golfers could clinch podium finishes in the individual event, narrowly missing out on medals.

The Indian golf team, comprising Rahul Bajaj, Abhijeet Singh Chaddha, Rashid Khan, and Abhinav Lohan, repeated their performance as runners-up in Guangzhou, carrying forward their legacy from the previous edition. Unfortunately, they couldn’t replicate their solid display in the individual competition, returning without individual medals.

With a rich history of success in golf at the Asian Games, India’s golfers are eager to add more gold and silver to their collection and make their nation proud once again in Hangzhou. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting and memorable golfing extravaganza in China’s picturesque city.