Big Boost for Indian Golf: Amitabh Kant Joins PGTI’s Governing Body
The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) has scored a major win by bringing on board Amitabh Kant, the former CEO of Niti Aayog and India’s G20 Sherpa, as its latest governing body member. This exciting move, announced on Friday in New Delhi, highlights PGTI’s push to elevate professional golf in the country.
Amitabh Kant stands out as one of India’s top bureaucrats and policy experts. He has shaped the nation’s growth through smart innovations, bold reforms, and clever diplomacy. From boosting grassroots projects to building India’s global image, Kant has played a key role in modern India’s success story.
Back in his days as tourism secretary in Kerala, Kant turned the state into a must-visit spot. He popularized the famous slogan "Kerala: God’s Own Country," drawing crowds from around the world. Later, as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, he launched the blockbuster "Incredible India" and "Atithi Devo Bhava" campaigns. These efforts put India on the map as a top tourist destination, sparking a tourism boom.
Kant didn’t stop there. As Secretary of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), he spearheaded game-changers like "Make in India," "Startup India," and "Ease of Doing Business." These initiatives fired up India’s economy and made it easier for businesses to thrive.
What makes Kant a perfect fit for PGTI? He’s a huge golf fan and plays regularly. His love for the sport matches PGTI’s goal of spotting talent and pushing Indian golf to the top.
In another smart step, PGTI is teaming up with top corporate bigwigs Pradeep S Bakshi, Shantanu Narayen, and Nikesh Arora. These leaders—known for their sharp business minds—join as advisors to guide the tour’s future. Bakshi brings consumer goods expertise, Narayen heads Adobe, and Arora leads Palo Alto Networks. Their input will help grow Indian professional golf and open doors for players.
PGTI President Kapil Dev couldn’t hide his excitement. "We’re thrilled to have Mr. Amitabh Kant on our Governing Body," he said. "His vast experience, leadership, and vision will supercharge PGTI. We’ll build a world-class platform for Indian golfers, expand our reach, and create fresh opportunities. This is huge for Indian golf, and we’re pumped to team up with him to take the sport higher."
Kapil also welcomed the new advisors: "Pradeep S Bakshi, Shantanu Narayen, and Nikesh Arora are visionaries. Their strategies will lift professional golf in India and give our players the stage they deserve."
Amitabh Kant shared his enthusiasm too. "I’m delighted to join PGTI’s Governing Body, led by the iconic Kapil Dev," he said. "This organization has built India’s pro golf scene, and I’m eager to use my skills in big initiatives to support our players. As a long-time golfer, I’ve seen the amazing talent here. I’ll work hard to fuel PGTI’s vision and shape the future of professional golf in India."
Adding to the good news, top Indian pro golfer Ajeetesh Sandhu joins the governing body. A two-time international winner, Sandhu keeps shining for India on the global stage. His nomination brings fresh player perspective to PGTI’s leadership.
With these additions, PGTI looks set to tee off a brighter era for Indian golf, blending policy smarts, corporate power, and on-course talent.
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