Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) President and cricket legend Kapil Dev has thrown his weight behind India's six-member golf contingent ahead of the golf competition at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, expressing confidence that the squad possesses the talent and temperament to challenge for medals on the international stage.

India's Squad for Asian Games Golf

The Indian contingent features Yuvraj Sandhu, Saptak Talwar, and Veer Ahlawat in the men's section, while Aditi Ashok, Diksha Dagar, and Pranavi Urs will represent the country in the women's section. The six-member group collectively brings significant experience across domestic and international tours, underlining the growing depth of Indian golf.

What Kapil Dev Said

Extending his wishes, Kapil Dev said: 'Representing India at the Asian Games is the highest honour. I extend my best wishes to Veer, Saptak, Yuvraj, Aditi, Diksha and Pranavi as they prepare to compete for the country in Japan. Each of them has earned this opportunity through determination, discipline and consistently strong performances. They possess the talent, experience and temperament to perform successfully on this major international stage.'

He added: 'My message to them is simple: believe in yourselves, play fearlessly and give it everything you have. The responsibility of representing the country should inspire you to raise your game. Stay focused, trust your preparation and play every shot with pride. The entire Indian golfing fraternity is behind you. Go out there, compete hard and make India proud.'

Amandeep Johl, CEO of the PGTI, echoed the sentiment, saying the men's trio had 'earned this opportunity through consistent performances, resilience and a strong competitive temperament,' and that their selection 'reflects the strength of our tour and the international pathway provided by the PGTI.'

Yuvraj Sandhu: Record-Breaking Credentials

The 29-year-old Yuvraj Sandhu brings arguably the most decorated recent domestic record to Japan. In 2025, he became the first player in PGTI history to win seven titles in a single season, also setting a new record for season earnings at ₹1,91,67,100. He currently holds 16 professional titles, including one on the Asian Development Tour, and secured his DP World Tour card after winning the PGTI Order of Merit in 2025.

Sandhu, who has prior experience of playing in Japan, said: 'I played in Japan last year, so I have a very fair idea of how the golf courses are. We already have the course mapped out in detail, and the yardages. I think playing on the DP World Tour has polished my game, so I feel ready to tackle the course.'

Veer Ahlawat and Saptak Talwar Eye Medal Run

The 30-year-old Veer Ahlawat, a six-time PGTI winner and joint runner-up at the Indian Open in 2024, had a first-hand look at the Japanese course last month. He noted that spin control and precision off the tee would be decisive: 'The course was short, and mostly those are the courses we play here in India. The main challenge in Japan is to get your wedges tuned in, and spin control will play a major role.'

Saptak Talwar, 27, currently ranked No. 1 on the PGTI Order of Merit, has been splitting his schedule between the European Tour and the PGTI. A two-time PGTI winner, Talwar has his sights set beyond the Asian Games, with the LA Olympics as his next qualifying target. He said: 'Having the experience under my belt of playing in not-so-pretty weather is definitely an advantage,' noting that Japan's expected conditions mirror what he has encountered on the European circuit.

What the Asian Games Appearance Signals for Indian Golf

The selection of a balanced, experienced six-member squad reflects a broader upward trajectory for Indian golf. All three men have earned international tour cards through merit, while the women's trio — led by the globally recognised Aditi Ashok — brings its own record of high-level competition. Notably, this Asian Games appearance comes as Indian golf continues to build a credible pipeline feeding into global tours, a development that PGTI officials say validates the domestic circuit's structure. How the squad performs in Japan will also have implications for Olympic qualification rankings ahead of the 2028 LA Games.