New Delhi, Aug 6 (NationPress) Gaganjeet Singh Bhullar, the esteemed Indian golfer, has officially joined the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) as an Icon player, taking the lead for one of the six franchises in this eagerly awaited tournament.

The Arjuna Awardee shared his enthusiasm, labeling IGPL as one of the most thrilling golf initiatives in recent years, while explaining his reasons for joining.

"Golf is typically an individual sport. However, every time I've had the chance to represent my country, I've relished the experience of playing as part of a team," Bhullar, who was a member of India’s silver medal-winning team at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, remarked.

“When I first learned about the golf league, I realized it was precisely what I had been looking forward to. We rarely get the chance to play as a team, and I was keen to embrace that aspect,” the 37-year-old added.

IGPL will be hosting India’s inaugural professional league tour, featuring both men and women competing on the same platform in franchise teams across regional circuits. This integrated format not only redefines the landscape of golf in India but also showcases a commitment to fostering inclusive excellence and empowering athletes.

With Indian cricket legend and golf enthusiast Yuvraj Singh as a co-owner and brand ambassador, alongside a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Golf Union (IGU)—the official body for men’s amateur golf in India—the IGPL has made significant strides to establish itself as a premier competition for men’s, women’s, and amateur golf talent.

Bhullar sees this tournament as a vital opportunity to nurture, guide, and discover new talent and is enthusiastic about contributing to this mission.

“Being offered the chance to captain one of the teams allows me to mentor the next generation of Indian golfers. I am genuinely looking forward to this role. There are other icon players such as Shiv Kapur, Gaurav Ghei, and SSP Chawrasia—seasoned veterans of the sport. Their involvement will be incredibly beneficial for young players aiming to accelerate their development,” he remarked.

Moreover, to create a comprehensive impact on the golfing ecosystem and facilitate the emergence of rising talent, the IGPL tour will take place in various cities leading up to the league’s inaugural edition, scheduled between September and December.

“One aspect that often goes unnoticed is that golf is a very costly sport. For many young players, having a launchpad like IGPL at the early stages of their careers is immensely advantageous. It’s not merely a ceremonial league; it promises a competitive atmosphere with substantial prize money at stake,” Bhullar emphasized.

“This opportunity allows youngsters to earn and reinvest in their development, enabling them to participate in various tournaments, which is crucial as golf can be quite expensive, making it challenging to secure resources early on. This is a significant aspect that the league aims to address,” Bhullar explained.

IGPL also envisions transforming the golfing ecosystem by creating mentorship opportunities for amateurs by incorporating international talent and legends of the sport to offer the best exposure and guidance for aspiring athletes.

Additionally, to promote inclusivity within golf, IGPL has partnered with the Women’s Golf Association of India (WGAI) to elevate women’s golf and provide well-structured, high-visibility platforms for female athletes.