Big Boost for Indian Golf: Amitabh Kant Joins PGTI Governing Body
The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) has exciting news for golf fans! On Friday, the organization welcomed Amitabh Kant, former CEO of Niti Aayog and India’s G20 Sherpa, as its newest member on the governing body. This move promises to take Indian professional golf to the next level.
Amitabh Kant is a powerhouse in Indian policy and governance. He has shaped India’s growth through smart reforms, innovative ideas, and global branding. During his time as Tourism Secretary in Kerala, he turned the state into a must-visit spot with the famous "Kerala: God’s Own Country" slogan. Later, as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Kant launched the blockbuster "Incredible India" and "Atithi Devo Bhava" campaigns, making India a top tourist destination. He also spearheaded major initiatives like Make in India, Startup India, and Ease of Doing Business as Secretary of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).
What makes this even better? Kant is a huge golf enthusiast and plays regularly. His love for the sport matches PGTI’s goal of spotting talent and pushing Indian golf forward.
PGTI isn’t stopping there. The tour also announced partnerships with three top corporate leaders in advisory roles: Pradeep S Bakshi (Managing Partner & CEO of Trantor), Shantanu Narayen (CEO of Adobe Inc.), and Nikesh Arora (CEO & Chairman of Palo Alto Networks).
Pradeep S Bakshi brings over 20 years of experience in tech, consulting, fintech, and more. As co-founder of successful companies, he now leads Trantor as a go-to partner for big enterprises.
Shantanu Narayen has transformed Adobe from a simple software firm into a cloud giant for creative tools. His leadership has earned him big honors, including Fortune’s Businessperson of the Year, a spot on Barron’s World’s Best CEOs list, and India’s Padma Shri in 2019.
Nikesh Arora has revolutionized Palo Alto Networks, turning it into a full-fledged cybersecurity leader. Known for his sharp vision and people skills, he has won awards like CRN’s Most Influential Executive and serves on Uber’s board.
These additions show PGTI’s strong push to guide Indian professional golf with fresh strategies and long-term growth. Kapil Dev, PGTI President and cricket legend, shared his excitement: "We are thrilled to welcome Amitabh Kant to the PGTI Governing Body. His expertise, vast experience, leadership qualities, and strategic vision will be incredible assets to the PGTI as we continue to build a world-class platform for professional golf in India. We believe Kant’s insights will be instrumental in raising the tour’s stature further, expanding its reach, and creating new opportunities for our talented golfers. This is a significant step forward for Indian golf, and we are excited at the prospect of working with Kant to take the sport to new heights in the country."
Kapil Dev added, "We are also delighted to welcome three visionary corporate leaders – Pradeep S Bakshi, Shantanu Narayen, and Nikesh Arora – as Advisors to the PGTI. Their strategic insights and experience will help elevate Indian professional golf to new heights and give our players the platform they deserve."
Amitabh Kant expressed his enthusiasm too: "I am happy to join the Governing Body of the Professional Golf Tour of India, an organization led by the legendary Kapil Dev as its President and one that has been instrumental in nurturing India’s professional golf landscape. I look forward to working with PGTI’s dynamic leadership team by leveraging my experience in strategic initiatives to foster a robust ecosystem for our players. Having been an avid golfer for many years, I have seen firsthand the incredible talent and potential that exists within Indian golf. I am committed to contributing to PGTI’s vision and helping shape the future of professional golf in India."
In another highlight, leading Indian pro golfer Ajeetesh Sandhu, a two-time international winner who shines on the global stage, joins as a Governing Body Member.
With these star additions, PGTI is gearing up for expansion, fresh ideas, and more global ties in Indian golf.
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