New Delhi, Dec 12: The Indian Golf Union (IGU) has made the development and expansion of golf in India's North East its next major strategic priority.
The announcement was made by IGU President Brijinder Singh following the National Sports Federation's 65th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Thursday (December 11) at the India Habitat Centre.
The AGM witnessed active participation from 15 affiliated State Golf Associations, including Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and other key golfing regions across the country. The agenda covered adoption of the Annual Report, confirmation of minutes from the previous AGM, approval of audited financial statements for 2024-25, appointment of auditors, and discussions permitted by the chair.
Speaking
after the meeting, President Brijinder Singh highlighted the renewed focus on integrating the North East into mainstream Indian golf.
"Our AGM went very well - we had our delegates from the North East, who were earlier absent and not part of mainstream golf for a long time. We were excited to have them on board. It is an uncharted territory as far as golf is concerned," Singh said.
"We have committed to taking golf there and developing the sport to ensure that children, grassroots programmes, and excellence pathways all flourish in the region. "
Often referred to as the 'Seven Sisters' - Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura - the North East is home to several scenic, British-era golf courses, many of which have remained underutilized despite their heritage value.
Singh added that the IGU intends to bring structured training, certified coaches, equipment support, and competitive opportunities to the region.
"It is one of the most beautiful parts of India but also one of the most neglected in terms of golf. We will take our coaches and equipment there to ensure that at least one champion emerges from the North East in the near future. "
He further emphasized that the IGU is rolling out extensive programmes and increased financial support to State Golf Associations to ensure equitable growth nationwide. The union will also explore promoting the region through golf tourism, leveraging its historic courses and natural landscapes.
Key Attendees
The AGM was attended by: IGU President Brijinder Singh, Honourary Secretary Shashank Sandu, Honourary Treasurer Sanjeev Rattan, Director General Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Bibhuti Bhushan, GC Members Harpuneet Singh Sandhu, Manav Jaini, Simarjeet Singh, Vandana Agarwal, Viren Ghumman, Sameer Sinha, Manav Das. North East Chairman Nagesh Singh (attended online).
The attendees also observed a one-minute silence in honour of Late Prakash Bhandari, former IGU President (2004-05).
IGU's Achievements in 2024-25
The past season marked a strong operational year for IGU:
- 32 domestic tournaments conducted
- 48 feeder tour events held
- Indian teams sent to 15 international tournaments, including the Paris Olympics 2024
- Successfully hosted the Level 3 Tournament Administrators & Referees Seminar (TARS) with The R&A - 42 of 49 participants earned certification
- India now has a record 65 TARS Level 3 referees
- Gained full membership of the Confederation of Professional Golf (CPG)
- Organised the Hero Indian Open with an increased prize purse of $2.5 million
The IGU reaffirmed its commitment to expanding golf's reach, modernizing infrastructure, and creating pathways from grassroots participation to elite competition.
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