Who Will Lead the Local Contingent at the India Championship?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's 26-man team is ready for the championship.
- International stars set to compete alongside local golfers.
- Delhi Golf Club is a familiar ground for Indian players.
- Young talents are stepping up to make their mark.
- Strong prize money of USD 4 million enhances competition.
New Delhi, Oct 15 (NationPress) India is presenting a formidable 26-member team at the USD 4 million DP World India Championship, set to take place at the prestigious Delhi Golf Club (DGC) from October 16 – 19, 2025. This tournament showcases one of the most competitive fields in Indian history, featuring global golf icons such as Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry, and Luke Donald, who will grace the revered grounds of the DGC.
Among the top Indian contenders are international champions Shubhankar Sharma, Anirban Lahiri, Shiv Kapur, Rahil Gangjee, and Ajeetesh Sandhu. Additionally, several emerging Indian talents, who have made waves on the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), are eager to leave their mark at this grand event.
The standout among the newcomers is Veer Ahlawat, a tall and athletic 29-year-old, who secured his place on the DP World Tour in 2025 by topping the PGTI Order of Merit last year. Ahlawat, a four-time PGTI champion, achieved his best international finish as the runner-up at the 2024 Indian Open.
“Although this season hasn’t been ideal, I view this week as an incredible opportunity to shine. A top-10 finish here would be crucial for maintaining my spot on the DP World Tour. My recent performances in Europe have been encouraging, which gives me confidence,” Ahlawat expressed.
“Indian golfers possess a significant advantage this week, as we are well-acquainted with the DGC layout, having played here since our junior careers began. The course design has historically favored Indian players,” he added.
Another player to keep an eye on is Yuvraj Sandhu, a victor on the Asian Development Tour. The 28-year-old boasts 13 PGTI wins and is currently leading the PGTI Order of Merit with four titles this season, showcasing his dominance in Indian golf.
“I have enjoyed an exceptional run in India this year and am eager to carry that momentum into this competition. Being part of this elite field has been highly anticipated by all Indian golfers. The DGC feels like a second home to me,” Yuvraj stated.
Arjun Prasad, who recently celebrated his first victory, is ranked second on the PGTI money list, thanks to 11 top-10 finishes this season. Prasad is poised to shine this week. The 26-year-old has been the most consistent performer on the PGTI this year and is thrilled to participate in the DP World India Championship.
“This championship is a significant confidence booster for me, and qualifying for this event was a primary goal when it was announced. Competing alongside stars like Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood is a dream come true. I look forward to playing against Tommy again; he was my partner at the 2016 Indian Open when I played as an amateur,” Prasad shared.
In addition to the featured players, numerous Indian golfers have the skills and potential to excel at the DGC. This includes former PGTI Order of Merit champions Om Prakash Chouhan and Manu Gandas, both of whom have valuable experience from competing on the DP World Tour.
Don’t overlook Olympian and past PGTI Order of Merit champion Udayan Mane, who has also demonstrated impressive form this year. Udayan, a 12-time PGTI champion, has achieved seven top-10 finishes this season, placing him fifth on the merit list. Additionally, Shaurya Bhattacharya, a 22-year-old two-time winner, currently ranks fourth in the PGTI with one win and eight top-10 finishes this season.
Angad Cheema, with five titles to his name, is one of only three golfers to have multiple victories on the PGTI this season. He has shown remarkable consistency, finishing in the top 5 of the PGTI rankings over the past two years.