Cricket legend Kapil Dev has taken a bold step to promote women’s golf in India by introducing a unique mixed-gender format for the third edition of the Kapil Dev-Grant Thornton Invitational tournament. The prestigious event will take place at Prestige Golfshire in Bengaluru from April 23 to 26, featuring both male and female golfers competing for an equal prize pool of Rs. 2 crore.
Sanctioned by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and the Women’s Golf Association of India (WGAI), the tournament will feature a 72-hole championship with 60 male and 12 female professionals. It will begin with a practice round on April 23, followed by three days of competitive play.
Speaking about the event, Kapil Dev expressed his hope that the initiative would inspire greater participation in the sport.
“Through this tournament, we aim to inspire a broader audience, nurture the next generation of golfers, and make the sport more accessible for all,” he said.
A strong advocate for golf, Kapil Dev shared his admiration for the sport’s aesthetics and discipline.
“I like it because of the ambience, the clothing which makes you look smart. There is so much green on the course. Cricket grounds in India have patches, but golf courses are just outstanding,” he remarked.
He also welcomed the inclusion of women in the tournament, calling it a groundbreaking moment for Indian sports.
“I loved the idea of it being the first-ever mixed event. Women are part and parcel of our lives and are better than we are. Other sports can follow this path of including women.”
PGTI CEO Amandeep Johl hailed the decision to include leading female professionals, calling it a significant milestone in Indian golf.
“The inclusion of leading Indian women professionals through our partnership with WGAI adds a new dimension to the event, emphasizing inclusivity in sport. With its new venue and the presence of top female professionals, this year’s tournament promises a unique and memorable experience for players and fans alike.”
Vishesh C. Chandiok, CEO of Grant Thornton Bharat, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the tournament’s broader impact on Indian sports.
“It’s a defining event for Indian sport and business. Our vision is to build an ecosystem that fosters a more inclusive and accessible India. By breaking barriers and setting a new precedent for inclusivity in sports, we are not just growing golf—we are reshaping the future of Indian sports into one that is diverse, accessible, and truly equal.”
With a significant prize pool, a historic mixed format, and top professionals competing, the Kapil Dev-Grant Thornton Invitational is set to be a landmark event in Indian golf, paving the way for greater inclusivity in the sport.
