Nava Raipur Open 2026: A New Era for Golf in Chhattisgarh
Inauguration of the Nava Raipur Open 2026
On September 15, the Nava Raipur Open 2026 was officially launched at the Fairway Golf & Lake Resort, with Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and PGTI President Kapil Dev leading the ceremony.
The Chief Minister emphasized that hosting more professional golf events would not only draw visitors but also promote youth engagement and create opportunities for tourism and local businesses in Nava Raipur.
The tournament was inaugurated with a ceremonial tee-off, and the trophy was unveiled in the presence of PGTI CEO Amandeep Johl. The dignitaries took time to interact with the golfers participating in the event before addressing the media.
This championship, boasting a prize pool of Rs 1 crore, features 132 professional golfers, including 18 from abroad, and will take place from September 15 to 18. This marks the DP World PGTI's second event in Nava Raipur, following the successful inaugural SECL Chhattisgarh Open, where players praised the course layout and conditions.
The venue is now poised to establish itself as a regular fixture on India's professional golf calendar.
Prominent Players and Future Aspirations
The tournament will showcase several top Indian golfers, such as Veer Ahlawat, Manu Gandas, Akshay Sharma, Honey Baisoya, Khalin Joshi, Rashid Khan, and Om Prakash Chouhan from Mhow. Notably, Ahlawat is set to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, alongside Yuvraj Sandhu and Saptak Talwar.
International competitors include Sri Lankans N Thangaraja and Mithun Perera, Czech Republic's Stepan Danek, Thailand's Tanapat Pichaikool, and players from Bangladesh, Nepal, Uganda, the USA, Japan, Ireland, and Canada.
Statements from Dignitaries
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai remarked, “Nava Raipur is envisioned as a city of opportunities, and sports play a crucial role in that vision. Hosting a national tournament of this magnitude will significantly boost golf tourism in the state and inspire more youth from Chhattisgarh to pursue golf as a sport.”
Kapil Dev, President of DP World PGTI, added, “Golf is an Olympic sport, and young Indian players now have a global platform to aspire to. Observing our top professionals compete can motivate children to transition from junior golf to representing India at prestigious events like the Asian Games and the Olympics.”
Amandeep Johl, CEO of DP World PGTI, stated, “Nava Raipur possesses the necessary infrastructure and hospitality to become a premier golfing destination. The launch of this new tournament reflects our confidence in the city and the positive feedback from players and stakeholders.”
The Future of Golf in Nava Raipur
For Nava Raipur, the potential extends beyond merely hosting a tournament. A consistent schedule of golf events can enhance visitor numbers and stimulate activity in tourism, hospitality, event management, coaching, and course operations. Accessible training programs can also pave the way for young players to secure scholarships and pursue professional careers, helping the city carve out a unique identity in the sports arena.
The Fairway Golf & Lake Resort, located in the newly developed capital of Chhattisgarh, is designed as an integrated community focused on leisure and recreation. The golf course, situated by the expansive 450-acre Jhanjh Lake, is enveloped by nearly 500 acres of forest. The course has a par of 69.
This facility is the first 18-hole golf course established in central India, designed by Pacific Coast Design from Australia, with project management by SGDC. The course promises to be a challenging yet enjoyable experience, featuring water hazards, bunkers, and opportunities for risk and reward, making it a true test of golfing skills.