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The impending launch of the Indian Golf Premier League later this year is poised to significantly elevate the sport in the nation in the build-up to the 2028 Olympic Games.
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The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles will serve as a watershed moment for the sport of golf with the introduction of a Mixed Doubles Team event, nestled between the traditional men’s and women’s competitions.
The Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) will debut later this year at the iconic Riviera Country Club, featuring a 7,400-yard championship course. The new format will include 36 holes played over two days. The first round will follow the Foursomes (alternate shot) format, while the second round will be Four-ball (better ball). Notably, participating players will already be qualified for their respective individual events.
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The launch of IGPL is set to significantly elevate Indian golf, benefiting both men and women from the national squads by developing strong mixed doubles combinations. More importantly, IGPL will serve as a growth-oriented platform, enabling grassroots talent—often overlooked due to financial limitations—to emerge. It will provide deserving players with the opportunity to represent India on the global stage.
Across India, the popularity of intra-club “Club League” formats has surged, involving selected club members and their invitees in competitive team play. Now, the time is ripe for a national-level league that promotes inclusivity and provides a big-stage opportunity for emerging talent. For the first time, individuals and corporates will be able to own teams and engage friends, colleagues, and partners in a nationwide sporting initiative.
Unfortunately, some whispers in golfing circles view IGPL as a rival tour. On the contrary, IGPL should be recognized as the most promising platform in the country to prepare our players for a podium finish—especially in the Mixed Doubles event at Los Angeles 2028.
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The biggest challenge often lies in acceptance. It’s time to acknowledge that golf no longer belongs to an outdated, exclusive mindset. The future lies in innovation, and young India is ready for this change. Like LIV Golf, which disrupted the dominance of the US PGA and is rapidly growing in popularity, IGPL represents a revolutionary leap for Indian golf. Mixed-gender tournaments are not just futuristic—they are now an Olympic reality.
Mastering the unique IGPL formats, tailored for viewer engagement and excitement, will open up unprecedented opportunities for small-town talent. With city- and state-based franchises, the league is set to reward both players and team owners alike.
The growth of golf in India is just beginning, and the Indian Golf Premier League is a major stride in the right direction.
Champika Sayal is the Secretary General of the Women’s Golf Association of India and the driving force behind the sport’s rise among Indian women and its global recognition. Champika Sayal, a daughter of a military man, first encountered golf while observing his family and relatives on army courses. Growing up in Gulmarg , Champika Sayal learned to play golf with rusty old irons as she assisted as a caddie for her father and her relatives which later on helped her at her role in WGAI.
Being women’s role model for Golf and a dedicated development leader advocating for more women participation to happen through Women’s Golf Association of India, Champika Sayal’s biggest feat has been organising the Women’s Indian Open and successful several editions of the Hero Women’s Indian Open throughout the country to empower women’s rise in golf.
Sayal has also been an active advocate for equal prize pool for women’s tours as compared to men’s tours in golf. Now through her partnership with Indian Golf Premier League, the WGAI seeks to boost presence of more women talents in the country.
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports
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