IGU Issues Strong Statement Amid Factional Dispute Report, Clarifies Asian Games 2026 Selection Policy

New Delhi, Jan 19: The Indian Golf Union (IGU) on Monday (January 19) issued a strong clarification amid reports of factional disputes within the sport ahead of the Asian Games 2026, asserting that the Brijinder

Singh-led body is the only recognised national federation authorised to select and send Indian golfers for the continental event.

In a detailed statement, the Indian Golf Union said it was compelled to respond to "deliberate attempts made to create confusion and factionalism within the sport of golf", reiterating that its governing council is recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) as well as international bodies including the International Golf Federation (IGF), The R&A and the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation.

"The Indian Golf Union (IGU) Governing Council led by current president Brijinder Singh is the only recognised National Sports Federation of golf in the country," the statement said, adding that "no other entity or set of individuals has been recognised or empowered by the Ministry to represent Indian Golf at any international forum and to select national teams"

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The IGU further underlined that its authority is backed by the judiciary, stating that its status as the lawful federation "is not merely administrative but is firmly grounded in legal facts". "Relevant court orders have clearly affirmed the legitimacy of the official IGU and its governing body. These judicial pronouncements remain in force and have not been set aside, stayed, or diluted in any manner," it said

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Seeking to reassure athletes caught in the uncertainty, the federation made it clear that selection for the Asian Games will follow a transparent and objective process. "Players for Asian Games will be selected according to the world golf rankings as per IGU's selection policy available on IGU website," the statement said, while warning that any parallel or unauthorised selection exercise would be invalid and invite legal action

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The IGU also pushed back strongly against what it described as interference by external bodies, claiming that the rival faction resurfaces only when "extraneous bodies, including the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), become involved". "IOA's actions appear malafide in intent and designed solely to muddy the waters, create institutional confusion, and undermine the orderly governance of golf in India," it alleged

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Highlighting its administrative track record, the IGU said it conducted 32 domestic tournaments and 48 feeder tour events during the 2024-25 season, and sent Indian teams to 15 international tournaments, including the Paris Olympics 2024. "These activities were undertaken strictly in accordance with established procedures and with the objective of promoting Indian golf on the global stage," it said.

Reiterating its commitment to transparency and unity, the federation urged stakeholders and players to rely only on official communication. "Any deliberate insinuations, misrepresentations, or parallel claims lacking legal or governmental sanction are strongly rejected," the IGU said, adding that the statement was issued "in the interest of clarity, transparency, and the unity of Indian golf"