New Delhi, April 26, 2019: Day 1 of the 8th edition of the India Golf & Turf Expo (IGTE) kick started. The South Asia’s largest golf industry trade show is exploring new horizons for Golf in India.
This day also saw key speakers which included the likes of D. Venkatesan, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Tourism,Government of India. Peter Walton, President and CEO; International association of Golf Tour Operators. Mike Orloff, MD-Golf Industry Central and Arjun Chowdhri, Chief Innovation Officer, PGA of America.
Starting the day Indian Golf Union’s Honorary Treasurer and Chairman of Technical Rules & Amateur Status Committee spoke a lot. The Chairman, Ishwar Achanta presented the way forward for the country’s apex body for golf. A break-up of the earnings of IGU in the last four years from 2015-2018 amounting to INR 24.83 crores was mentioned.
Funds required to develop Golf in India
Mr Achanta also stated that there is need for another 50 crore INR to drive a seven year program for development of golf. He argued that the development program will concentrate on schools mainly. It will boost community clubs, state golf partnerships, developing talent, coaching and operations with maximum emphasis on talent development. Each area requiring an investment of INR 5 crores, INR 10 crores, INR 2.5 crores, INR 20 crores, INR 10.5 crores and INR 2 Crores respectively.
Golf Trade Show in South Asia
Speaking at South Asia’s largest golf trade show, he stressed on the revival of the properties like The Indian Masters and The Indian Classic. Mr. Achanta also put forth the recommended way forward for expanding the reach of The National Golf Academy of India. It will be the first accredited program for teaching professionals in the country by the following key steps:
– All golf clubs to have NGAI coaches only
– The lesson fee to be kept minimum for various categories
– International affiliation for NGAI
– Setting up Regional NGAI
Rishi Narain, MD, Rishi Narain Sports Marketing and former professional golfer and Asian Games gold medalist also spoke. He said, “the GIA and IGU have been working really hard in order to make golf a mass sport. The initiatives suggested at the Indian Golf and Turf Expo shows their commitment towards the cause.”
Indian Golf Union
In a bid to make golf more accessible to the general public, President, GIA, Deepali Shah Gandhi also spoke. She supported to the initiatives taken by the Indian Golf Union. She said, “The Indian Golf Union is moving on the right path and the combined efforts by GIA and IGU can make things possible at a much faster rate.” Mrs. Gandhi also suggested that, “the game can be made more feasible if the army golf courses are made accessible to the civilians.”
Day 2 of the India Golf and Turf Expo will start from 10:00 AM IST at the Thyagraj Stadium on Saturday – 27th April 2019.
About Golf Industry Association
The Golf Industry Association is a promotional body formed by Golf Industry Groups as a non-profit organization under the Societies Registration Act 1860.
The main objective of the Association is to provide a forum to co-ordinate all key sectors of Golf industry to grow more. Henceforth to develop and promote the game of Golf through their respective involvement. Assistance to build and promote the Indian Golf Industry always sought. The government of India and Tourism Authority and other golf related group activists need to raise their voices. Golf association needs the support from government on industry wise issues. It is responsible to workout initiatives without interfering individual members’ relations.
GIA goal is to look after the interest of all members and to strengthen the individual position of each member.
Khalid M Raza
