Indian Golf Premier League Partners with Special Olympics Bharat for Inclusive Golf Initiative

Memorandum of Understanding Signed

Today, the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) and Special Olympics Bharat formalized their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding at the Qutab Golf Course in New Delhi. The agreement was signed by Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat, and Pratiek Talukdar, Director of Sports for the organization. Key figures from IGPL, including Manav Jaini (Director of Bharat Golf Private Limited), Akhil Nayar (Director), Uttam Singh Mundy (CEO), and Ishan Desouza (Director), were present to mark this significant partnership, which aims to create an inclusive pathway for both organizations.

The event was further enlivened by the presence of young athletes from Special Olympics, who attended alongside their parents, celebrating the signing and the subsequent festivities.

Initiation of Coaching Camp

The collaboration will kick off with a coaching camp organized by Special Olympics Bharat, scheduled from October 1 to October 10, 2026. Nationally certified coach Anup Singh will lead the camp, working closely with both Special Olympics Bharat coaches and athletes to enhance their training and development.

Following the camp, IGPL will ensure the availability of qualified coaches for future Special Olympics Bharat camps. The two organizations plan to conduct regular joint coaching sessions focused on athlete development, coach education, and establishing a clearer golf pathway for Special Olympics participants. Additionally, IGPL will host a national championship specifically for Special Olympics golfers, where IGPL professionals will engage with the athletes through demonstrations and playing opportunities.

Grassroots Outreach with 'Golf On Wheels'

At the grassroots level, the partnership will introduce IGPL's 'Golf On Wheels' program across Special Olympics Bharat's extensive network of over 1,200 schools, aiming to make golf accessible to children with intellectual disabilities throughout the country.

Statements from Leaders on the Agreement

During the MoU signing, Mallika Nadda expressed, "This partnership transcends a mere agreement; it opens doors for more children and adults with intellectual disabilities to engage with golf, receive professional training, and aspire to represent India. With IGPL's certified coaches, joint camps, and a dedicated championship, our athletes will receive the ongoing support necessary as they prepare for the World Summer Games in Santiago 2027."

She further noted, "Children from special schools have often never held a golf club or visited a golf course. By bringing equipment and instructors directly to our schools, Golf On Wheels provides that first opportunity to them."

Manav Jaini, Director of AM Green IGPL, remarked, "This MoU transforms our discussions into tangible actions. Coach Anup Singh will be with the SO Bharat athletes starting October 1, marking just the beginning. Through joint camps, Golf On Wheels, and a dedicated championship, we aim for every Special Olympics golfer to feel like part of the IGPL family."

With the MoU established, both organizations will collaborate on the operational aspects of the joint coaching program, simulator access, the rollout of Golf On Wheels, and the Special Olympics Golf Championship, with the October 1 camp serving as the first milestone.

Upcoming IGPL Invitational 2026

The IGPL Invitational 2026, presented by RVR Delhi Blue Bulls GC, is set to commence tomorrow at the Qutab Golf Course in Delhi. This event will reignite the competitive spirit between recent champion Varun Chopra (Auro Goa Eagles) and local favorite Shiv Kapur. The tournament features a star-studded lineup, including four-time league winner Gaganjeet Bhullar, Karandeep Kochhar, and leading women professionals like Ridhima Dilawari, who are preparing for next month's Hero Women’s Indian Open.