Indian Golf Premier League Partners with Special Olympics Bharat to Promote Inclusive Golf
Memorandum of Understanding Signed
In New Delhi, on September 30, the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) and Special Olympics Bharat formalized their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding at the Qutab Golf Course.
Mallika Nadda, the President of Special Olympics Bharat, along with Pratiek Talukdar, the Director of Sports for the organization, represented Special Olympics Bharat. The IGPL was represented by Manav Jaini (Director of Bharat Golf Private Limited), Akhil Nayar (Director), Uttam Singh Mundy (CEO), and Ishan Desouza (Director), marking the beginning of a partnership aimed at creating an inclusive golfing environment.
Celebrating the Partnership
The event was made even more special with the presence of young athletes from Special Olympics, who attended the ceremony with their families, joining the dignitaries in the celebrations.
The collaboration will kick off with a coaching camp organized by Special Olympics Bharat, scheduled from October 1 to October 10, 2026. Coach Anup Singh, a nationally certified coach, will oversee the camp, working closely with both Special Olympics Bharat coaches and athletes to enhance their skills and training.
Ongoing Support and Development
Following the camp, IGPL will continue to supply 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 clear golfing pathway for Special Olympics participants. Additionally, IGPL will organize a national championship specifically for Special Olympics golfers, where IGPL professionals will engage with the athletes through demonstrations and playing opportunities.
Grassroots Initiatives
At the grassroots level, the partnership will implement IGPL's Golf On Wheels program across Special Olympics Bharat's extensive network of over 1,200 schools, aiming to introduce golf to children with intellectual disabilities throughout the country.
Mallika Nadda expressed her enthusiasm about the MoU, stating, “This partnership is not just about signing a document; it opens doors for more children and adults with intellectual disabilities to explore golf, receive professional coaching, and aspire to represent India. With the support of IGPL’s certified coaches, joint camps, and a dedicated championship, our athletes will have the ongoing assistance they need as they prepare for the World Summer Games in Santiago 2027.”
Looking Ahead
Manav Jaini from IGPL remarked, “This MoU transforms our discussions into actionable steps. Coach Anup Singh will begin working with SO Bharat athletes starting October 1, marking just the start of our collaboration. Through joint camps, Golf On Wheels, and a dedicated championship, we aim to make every Special Olympics golfer feel like part of the IGPL family.”
With the MoU established, both organizations will now focus 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 camp on October 1 serving as the first significant milestone.
Upcoming IGPL Invitational
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, alongside a star-studded lineup that includes four-time league winner Gaganjeet Bhullar, Karandeep Kochhar, and leading female professionals like Ridhima Dilawari, who are preparing for next month’s Hero Women’s Indian Open.