Kapil Dev Discusses India's Golf Team Selection for Asian Games 2026

Kapil Dev, the former World Cup-winning cricketer, discusses the selection process for India's golf team for the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Japan. He emphasizes the importance of merit and rankings over selectors' preferences. The team, led by Olympians Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar, showcases a strong lineup based on performance. The golf events will take place from September 30 to October 3, featuring individual and team competitions. With a rich history of success in the Asian Games, India's golfers aim to add to their medal tally. Read on for more details about the players and the event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 8, 2026, 20:32 IST

Insights from Kapil Dev on Team Selection

Kapil Dev, a former World Cup-winning cricketer and the current president of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), shared his thoughts on the selection process for the Indian golf team heading to the Asian Games in Japan. He emphasized that the selection is primarily based on merit, specifically points and rankings, rather than the preferences of selectors. According to reports, Olympians Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar will lead the six-member golf team at the Asian Games 2026, scheduled to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Growth of Golf in India

In a conversation, Kapil noted that while golf has seen significant growth over the past few years, there is still much work to be done. He stated, "Golf has grown a lot in the last two-three years. But I still need to work hard on it. When our boys play in the Olympics, they are happy. The best thing is that the team picks are based on the ranking." He highlighted that the selection process is straightforward, relying solely on the points earned by players throughout the year.

Golfing Schedule and Preparation

Kapil pointed out that golfers have a rigorous schedule, playing for 30-35 weeks annually, similar to cricket. He mentioned, "They have a lot of tours. They play tournaments all over India. We are talking about medals. There are Asian Games and the Olympics. There are preparations for that."

Asian Games 2026 Event Overview

The golf competitions at the Asian Games 2026 will occur from September 30 to October 3 at the Kasugai Country Club East Course. The events will include four medal competitions: men's and women's individual and team events.

Notable Players in the Indian Squad

Aditi Ashok, a five-time Ladies European Tour (LET) champion and three-time Olympian, narrowly missed a medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, finishing fourth. She also made history by winning India's first women's golf medal at the Asian Games, securing silver at Hangzhou 2023.

Diksha Dagar, a two-time Olympian and Deaflympics champion, returns to the Asian Games after finishing 22nd in Jakarta 2018 and has two LET titles to her name.

Pranavi Urs, who represented India in the last Asian Games, finished 13th in the women's category.

Yuvraj Sandhu enters the competition following a successful 2025 season on the PGTI, where he claimed an impressive seven titles.

India's Golfing Achievements at the Asian Games

India has secured a total of seven golf medals at the Asian Games, comprising three gold and four silver. The first gold medals were won during the 1982 New Delhi Games, with Lakshman Singh taking the men's individual title and the team also winning gold. Shiv Kapur added another gold in Busan 2002, while the men's teams earned silver in Doha 2006 and Guangzhou 2010. Aditi Ashok's recent medal at Hangzhou 2023 further adds to India's legacy.

Indian Golf Team for Asian Games 2026

Men: Yuvraj Sandhu, Veer Ahlawat, Saptak Talwar.

Women: Aditi Ashok, Diksha Dagar, Pranavi Urs.