PGTI CEO Johl meets the principal secretary to CM to discuss golf potential in Chhattisgarh
Raipur, April 30
Amandeep Johl, Chief Executive Officer of Professional Golf Tour of India, met Subodh Kumar Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, to discuss opportunities for the development and promotion of golf in the state.
A key focus of the discussions was the development of international-standard golf courses in Naya Raipur and the potential to host a world-class tournament on the DP World Tour in the future, thereby placing the region firmly on the global golfing map.
Also present during the meeting were Shri Ankit Anand, IAS, Chairman, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar Development Authority (NRDA), and Shri Rajat Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Government of Chhattisgarh.
The discussions focused on the long-term potential of developing golf infrastructure and strengthening the ecosystem for the sport in Chhattisgarh. Deliberations included the possibilities of creating world-class golfing facilities, promoting sports tourism, encouraging youth participation, and positioning the state as an emerging destination for golf and allied economic activities.
The successful staging of the SECL Chhattisgarh Open highlighted Nava Raipur's emergence as an important venue on the Indian professional golf circuit and reflected the growing spread of the sport beyond its traditional centres. The meeting also discussed avenues for developing new golf courses and related infrastructure in the state, which could help enhance sports tourism, generate employment, support hospitality and allied sectors, and position Chhattisgarh as a future destination for professional golf.
Amandeep Johl briefed the officials on the growing profile of professional golf in India, the expansion of the DP World PGTI calendar, and the opportunities that golf can generate in areas such as tourism, hospitality, employment, and international sporting engagement.
The meeting also explored avenues for collaboration between the state government and DP World PGTI to promote golf development initiatives and future events in Chhattisgarh.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great to see Chhattisgarh exploring golf development. The SECL Chhattisgarh Open was a success, and building on that momentum makes sense. Golf tourism can be a big driver for a state's economy, as seen in other parts of the country. But I hope they also allocate funds for grassroots sports like football and kabaddi, which have wider appeal among the masses. 🏌️♂️🇮🇳
Honestly, I see this as a positive step, but I'm a bit skeptical. Golf is still a niche sport in India. Before investing crores in fancy courses, the government should ensure basic infrastructure like roads, schools, and hospitals are in place. Still, if it can bring in sports tourism and put Naya Raipur on the map, why not? Let's hope the execution is good.
As an avid golfer, I am thrilled to hear this! Chhattisgarh has beautiful landscapes that can make for scenic golf courses. The DP World Tour potential is exciting—it could open doors for international players and promote India as a golf destination. I hope the government and PGTI work together effectively to realize this dream.
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