IGU names six-member squad for 2026 Asian Games golf in Japan
Synopsis
India's strongest-ranked golf squad in years heads to Aichi-Nagoya for the 2026 Asian Games, with LPGA regular Aditi Ashok — silver medallist at Hangzhou 2023 — leading the women's draw and seven-time PGTI champion Yuvraj Sandhu anchoring the men's side. IGU president Brijinder Singh has openly backed a podium finish, India's first in Asian Games golf since 2010.
Key Takeaways
The Indian Golf Union (IGU) has named a six-member squad for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan .
Golf events run from 30 September to 3 October 2026 at the Kasugai Country Club East Course .
Aditi Ashok ( World No.
135 ) leads the women's team; she won individual silver at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games .
Yuvraj Sandhu ( World No.
451 ) captains the men's squad, having won seven PGTI titles last season.
Selections were made purely on world rankings , per the IGU's published selection policy.
India has historically won three gold and three silver medals in Asian Games golf.
The Indian Golf Union (IGU) has confirmed a six-member national squad to compete in the golf events at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with competition scheduled from 30 September to 3 October 2026 at the Kasugai Country Club East Course. The IGU, recognised by both the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) and the International Golf Federation (IGF), finalised entries strictly on the basis of world rankings as per its published selection policy.
Men's Squad
Yuvraj Sandhu (World No. 451) will captain the men's team, accompanied by Veer Ahlawat (World No. 558) and Saptak Talwar (World No. 576). Sandhu arrives in strong form, having claimed seven titles on the PGTI circuit in the previous season — a run that underlines his standing as India's most consistent domestic performer in recent years.
Women's Squad
The women's team is headlined by Aditi Ashok, an LPGA Tour regular currently ranked World No. 135, making her the highest-ranked Indian golfer in the squad. She is joined by Diksha Dagar (World No. 221) and Pranavi Urs (World No. 270), both multiple winners on the Ladies European Tour (LET). Notably, Ashok won the individual silver medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, and will be looking to upgrade that finish in Japan.
What the IGU President Said
IGU president Brijinder Singh expressed strong confidence in the team's prospects. 'We have got a supremely talented and efficient squad which has someone like Yuvraj Sandhu, who won seven times on the PGTI circuit last year. Then there are likes of Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar who have won multiple times on the Ladies European Tour. The entries were decided purely through World Rankings. I am confident that the Indian team will finish on the podium this time,' Singh said.
India's Asian Games Golf Legacy
India has a distinguished record in Asian Games golf, having won three gold and three silver medals across editions. The country's first team gold came at the 1982 Asian Games, where Lakshman Singh, Rishi Narain, Amit Luthra, and Rajeev Mohta triumphed — with Lakshman Singh also claiming individual gold. Shiv Kapur added another individual gold at the 2002 Busan Asian Games. Team silver medals followed at the 2006 Doha Asian Games (Anirban Lahiri, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Joseph Chakola) and the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games (Rashid Khan, Rahul Bajaj, Abhinav Lohan, Abhijit Singh Chadha).
What to Watch
With Aditi Ashok's world ranking and Sandhu's recent domestic form, India enters Aichi-Nagoya as a credible podium contender in both draws. The Kasugai Country Club East Course will host all rounds, and performance at the Asian Games also carries implications for the sport's visibility and funding cycle under MYAS. All eyes will be on whether India can convert its ranking strength into its first Asian Games golf medal since 2010.
Point of View
Which is a positive signal — but rankings alone don't guarantee medals on a specific course under tournament pressure. Aditi Ashok is the squad's clearest medal hope given her LPGA experience and a Hangzhou silver already on her record, yet the women's draw at Asian Games is increasingly competitive. The men's side, led by Sandhu, has depth on the PGTI but limited exposure to the elite Asian circuit. The real question is whether the IGU's confidence in a podium finish is backed by adequate preparation infrastructure — course reconnaissance, sports science support, and match-play readiness — details that the announcement does not address.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is in India's golf team for the 2026 Asian Games?
India's six-member squad comprises Yuvraj Sandhu, Veer Ahlawat, and Saptak Talwar in the men's draw, and Aditi Ashok, Diksha Dagar, and Pranavi Urs in the women's draw. Selections were made on the basis of world rankings as per the IGU's official selection policy.
When and where will golf be played at the 2026 Asian Games?
Golf at the 2026 Asian Games is scheduled from 30 September to 3 October 2026 at the Kasugai Country Club East Course in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
What is Aditi Ashok's Asian Games record?
Aditi Ashok won the individual silver medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. Currently ranked World No. 135 and a regular on the LPGA Tour, she is the highest-ranked golfer in India's 2026 squad.
How has India performed in golf at previous Asian Games?
India has won three gold and three silver medals in Asian Games golf. Highlights include team and individual gold at the 1982 Asian Games, individual gold for Shiv Kapur at the 2002 Busan Games, and team silver at both the 2006 Doha and 2010 Guangzhou editions.
How were India's Asian Games golf entries decided?
Entries were decided strictly on the basis of world golf rankings, as per the IGU's selection policy published on its official website. IGU president Brijinder Singh confirmed this criterion publicly.
