Stories
WGAI Urges Government Support to Demystify Golf, Boost Grassroots Infrastructure
- •The Women’s Golf Association of India (WGAI) calls for increased government support and grassroots infrastructure to make golf accessible to young players, challenging its ‘rich man’s game’ perception.
- •WGAI President Kavita Singh highlights the lack of basic facilities and equipment as a major hurdle and advocates for better government assistance for women golfers.
- •Singh emphasizes discipline and hard work over luck for success in golf, citing Gary Player’s philosophy, and notes WGAI’s efforts to provide mental and physical coaching resources to reduce financial burden on players.
- •She recounts the inadequate support for Indian women golfers during their first Olympic appearance in Rio, where officials dismissed the sport as only for the wealthy, and expresses frustration over poor quality kits.
- •Hero MotoCorp executive vice-president Sanjay Bhan compares golf’s elitist image to cricket’s aristocratic origins, arguing that wider public access to courses, similar to the US model, can change perceptions.
- •WGAI secretary general Champika Sayal stresses the need for a level playing field and a change in perception, urging the Skill Development Ministry and Sports Ministry to collaborate on creating career and employment opportunities within golf.
Key Questions Answered
The Women's Golf Association of India urged the government to provide better support and grassroots infrastructure. WGAI president Kavita Singh noted the board is working to directly provide players with mental and physical coaches to reduce their financial burdens.
When Indian women golfers made their first Olympic appearance in Rio, they lacked proper support and equipment. Kavita Singh recalled that government officials dismissed their struggles by claiming golf was a rich person's game and questioning why they participated.
WGAI secretary general Champika Sayal emphasized that the Sports Ministry and Skill Development Ministry must work together over the next five years to create a level playing field and eliminate the elite label from golf. This collaboration aims to provide youth with career and employment opportunities within golf clubs and driving ranges.
