The Adani Group has entered Indian professional golf with the ‘Adani Invitational Golf Championship 2025’ in collaboration with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). This initiative aims to promote golf, make it mainstream and nurture future global champions from India. The tournament took place at Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh from 1 Apr to 4 Apr. A pre-tournament event and golf clinic for 50 children was held on 29 Mar at The Belvedere Golf & Country Club, Ahmedabad. Additionally, an Adani-PGTI golf training academy has also been launched at the Belvedere Golf & Country Club.

In a freewheeling chat, cricket legend Kapil Dev, who has now transitioned to the world of golf as the President of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), shares his thoughts on the shared vision of the Adani Group and PGTI to develop golfing talent and advance Indian golf. He discusses the various initiatives taken to promote the sport, including the Adani Invitational Golf Championship 2025 and the establishment of an Adani-PGTI golf training academy. Excerpts from the conversation reveal his personal journey from cricket to golf, the efforts to make golf more accessible to the masses and his long-standing friendship with the Adani Group Chairman, Gautam Adani.

From being a legend on the cricket ground to now the golf course, tell us about your transition and journey?

I used to think golf wasn’t for me, especially after stepping away from cricket. Yet, out of nowhere, I discovered golf, and it transformed my life in ways I never anticipated. Engaging in sports again rekindled my spirit and I can’t express how joyous that has made me. After dedicating 20 years to cricket, I found that I hadn’t really made friends outside of the sport. But with golf, everything changed. I’ve forged more friendships on the golf course than I ever did in cricket, thanks to the diverse groups I get to play with every day. Unlike cricket, where you're with the same team, golf opens doors to countless connections. Now, whether I’m in the United States, the United Kingdom, or various cities across India, I meet incredible people everywhere I go. They embrace me with warmth and kindness, reminding me just how much love and appreciation there is. It’s truly uplifting to realise the profound impact you can have on others and vice versa. Golf has not only given me a new passion but also a vibrant community that I cherish deeply.

Tell us about the PGTI’s association with the Adani Group?

I am thrilled to see the Adani Group making its mark in the world of golf. Their entry into this sport is bound to inspire a wave of enthusiasm among young people who might think, "If the Adani Group is involved in golf, I want to play too!" The credibility and reputation of such a prominent company will encourage parents to support their children in pursuing golf, seeing it as a valuable opportunity. What the Adani Group is doing for sports in our country is truly commendable and is instilling motivation in countless youngsters to chase their dreams in athletics. Let's celebrate this positive change.

Can you elaborate on how your relationship with Mr Gautam Adani has developed over the years?

I have had the privilege of knowing Mr Adani for the past 40 years, and throughout that time, we have chosen to keep our connection private. When you truly appreciate someone, there’s no need to broadcast it to the world. My relationship with him is deeply personal, and I cannot express enough how proud I am of his remarkable accomplishments. His vision for his company and our country is truly inspiring. As a first-generation entrepreneur, he has faced immense challenges, yet his relentless hard work has propelled him to extraordinary heights. What stands out the most is his humility; it is this quality, I believe, that has played a significant role in his success. His extraordinary kindness and unwavering humility clearly distinguish him as someone remarkable, without any need for pretense. Every time I read about his achievements; I feel a profound sense of joy knowing that I have witnessed his journey since he was just a young boy. His story is a testament to the power of determination and vision, and it inspires me—and many others—to strive for greatness.

There is this perception about golf that it is an elite sport, how do you think it can be made more accessible to people?

Cricket once stood as a symbol of elitism, played exclusively by maharajas and royalty during the British Raj. Today, however, it has transcended its origins and is embraced on every street corner, making it accessible to all. In contrast, golf still carries the stigma of being an elite sport. Yet, we are beginning to see a remarkable trend: caddies are evolving into professional players in various tournaments. With the influx of corporate sponsorship and support, we have a unique opportunity to ignite a passion for golf across the nation. Anyone with determination and hard work can rise to stardom in this sport. As the president of the PGTI, I am committed to opening doors for young talent and nurturing the future stars of golf. Together, we can change the landscape of the game and make it accessible to everyone.