Exciting Lineup for the 2026 India Championship: Young Talents Shine
Star-Studded Field at the India Championship
The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is set to showcase an impressive roster at the $4 million India Championship 2026. This event features seasoned players with extensive international experience, including Order of Merit leader Saptak Talwar, Khalin Joshi, Veer Ahlawat, and Rashid Khan.
Emerging Young Golfers to Make Their Mark
The PGTI lineup also includes a promising group of young golfers aged 18 to 22, known as the Gen Next of Indian golf. These players are eager to leave their mark during their debut at the India Championship, which kicks off on October 15 at the historic Delhi Golf Club (DGC). Notable young talents such as 19-year-old Vishesh Sharma, 18-year-old Manoj S, 21-year-old Anshul Kabthiyal, 16-year-old Kartik Singh, and 22-year-old Shubham Jaglan secured their spots by finishing in the top 24 of the Race to India Championship at the recent Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship in Greater Noida. Vishesh, Manoj, and Anshul currently hold ranks 16th, 17th, and 18th respectively in the PGTI Order of Merit, while Kartik and Shubham are ranked 20th and 21st. Both Vishesh and Shubham celebrated their first professional victories on the PGTI this season.
Vishesh Sharma: Leading the Youth Charge
Vishesh Sharma is at the forefront of the youth brigade. The golfer from Hyderabad, who debuted on the DP World PGTI last year, is buoyed by his recent victory at his home course. He has also achieved two additional top-10 finishes this season. Vishesh, previously ranked as India No. 1 in the 13 to 15 age group, expressed, "It’s an honour to compete alongside the top golfing stars globally and my fellow Indian players. We take pride in representing India, and this is a significant opportunity to showcase our capabilities and the potential of Indian golf. Performing well here would mean a lot to me."
Manoj S Aims for a Strong Performance
Bengaluru's Manoj S, in his second professional season, made a late surge to secure a spot in the top 24 of the Race to India Championship, finishing tied for fifth and second in the two events leading up to this week’s finale. His joint runner-up finish at the Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship propelled him from 26th to 17th in the PGTI Order of Merit. Manoj, who was India No. 2 in the junior category in 2023, stated, "Last week was crucial as I needed a strong finish to qualify. Now, I want to maintain that momentum and see how it goes. I’m looking forward to the challenge of this tough course."
Anshul Kabthiyal: A Consistent Performer
Anshul Kabthiyal enters the championship with four top-10 finishes this season, including a runner-up position. With a record of 10 junior titles and six amateur titles, Anshul has consistently performed well and is a player to watch at DGC.
Kartik Singh: The Youngest Competitor
At just 16 years old, Kartik Singh is the youngest participant in the DP World India Championship. He has already made a mark in his first season on the DP World PGTI with two top-10 finishes. Previously, Kartik was the top-ranked junior and amateur golfer in India before turning professional. He shared, "Having the chance to play alongside my idols like Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood is incredibly special. I’m grateful to the DP World PGTI for this opportunity, and my main goal is to enjoy the week and maximize this experience."
Shubham Jaglan Returns to His Roots
Shubham Jaglan, a former India No. 1 junior who played college golf in the U.S. before turning professional last year, has had a successful season on the PGTI in 2026. He won his first title in Kolkata two months ago and also secured a third-place finish along with another top-10 this season. Shubham expressed, "I’m thrilled to compete at the DGC, where I grew up playing. Watching the Indian Open here as a child and now competing alongside players like Anirban Lahiri is very special. I’ve performed well throughout the year, and I’m ready to compete this week."
PGTI's Vision for Indian Golf
Amandeep Johl, CEO of DP World PGTI, commented on the presence of numerous talented young golfers at the India Championship, stating, "The participation of so many skilled young Indian golfers, including teenagers, highlights the growing strength and depth of golf in our country. Competing alongside some of the world’s best players on home soil provides these youngsters with invaluable experience to test themselves at the highest level, gain confidence, and accelerate their development. We hope this experience inspires them to elevate their ambitions and showcase the bright future of Indian golf on the global stage."