Pukhraj Singh Gill Optimistic About Indian Golf's Future Ahead of 2028 Olympics
Pukhraj Singh Gill's Confidence in His Game
By Sahil Kohli
Gurugram (Haryana) [India], May 21: Indian golfer Pukhraj Singh Gill expressed that he believes his performance is at its peak and is hopeful about the advancement of golf in India, especially with the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 approaching.
Having clinched the 2025 IGPL Order of Merit last year and recently winning the 2026 Asian Development Tour (ADT) Players Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Pukhraj shared insights about his current form.
He stated, "This is the best it has been for me. Since winning the IGPL Order of Merit and achieving my first professional victory last year, I have felt very confident. I started this year strongly, performing well in IGPL events and on the Asian tour. Winning my second event this year is a testament to my confidence and preparation, and I feel great about my game."
The 29-year-old, who turned professional in 2018, revealed that his love for golf began at a young age.
"I started competing seriously at the national junior level around eight or nine years old. Since then, I've progressed through junior, sub-junior, and senior levels, representing India both nationally and internationally," he explained.
"Golf has been my life's purpose for the last 10-15 years. My goal has always been to excel in the sport, both nationally and internationally, and achieving that is incredibly fulfilling for me," he added.
Pukhraj drew inspiration from fellow Punjabi golfer Jeev Milkha Singh, who has shown that success in golf is attainable for individuals from his region.
"After Jeev, Gaganjeet Bhullar and Anirban Lahiri have also found success on the PGA Tour. My peer, Shubhankar Sharma, has excelled in the DP World Tour. Their achievements provide reassurance that success is possible, and their guidance has been invaluable to me," he noted.
He also highlighted the impact of IGPL co-founder and cricket legend Yuvraj Singh in promoting golf, stating that his involvement has helped dispel the notion of golf being an exclusive sport.
"With many former athletes, including cricketers and tennis players like Leander Paes, taking an interest in golf, we are reaching a broader audience. This visibility is crucial for the sport's growth," he remarked.
Pukhraj believes that golf is becoming more mainstream, akin to cricket and tennis.
"Parents and children are now considering golf as a viable career option, recognizing that talent can flourish in this sport just as much as in cricket. The IGPL's Golf on Wheels initiative is introducing the game to various cities, which is a significant step forward," he stated.
He remains hopeful about India's prospects in future Olympic events, noting the increasing participation and awareness in golf.
"Anirban had a remarkable run, and Aditi Ashok narrowly missed a medal last time. The future looks bright for us, with more players emerging and performing well on international platforms," he concluded.