Kolkata: Golf is back at the famed Tollygunge Club in Kolkata with the second edition of the Coal India Open, taking place from August 11 to August 14. This prestigious event is brought to life through a partnership between Coal India Limited and the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (DP World PGTI), featuring an enticing prize purse of INR 1 crore.
Who’s Backing the Tournament
The tournament is proudly sponsored by Coal India Limited, the renowned state-run mining entity and the largest coal producer worldwide. Alongside them is DP World, the Tour’s umbrella partner, receiving support from notable sponsors including Axis Bank, Amul, Amrutanjan Enerlyte, Air India Maharaja Club, and Kalyani as Tour Partners. This strong backing underscores the event’s significance in the golfing calendar.
A Packed Field of 132
With a roster of 132 players consisting of 131 professionals and one amateur, this year’s Coal India Open promises fierce competition. Leading the charge is Saptak Talwar, the current Order of Merit leader, accompanied by talented athletes such as Veer Ahlawat, Om Prakash Chouhan, Manu Gandas, Khalin Joshi, Shaurya Bhattacharya, and last year’s champion, Angad Cheema. The tournament is sure to showcase the best talent in Indian golf.
International Names to Watch
The field also includes an impressive international contingent. Sri Lanka’s N Thangaraja and Mithun Perera will represent their country, while Thailand sends Tanapat Pichaikool. Additionally, players from Bangladesh, Nepal, the Czech Republic, the US, Japan, and Uganda have also entered the fray. This mix of nationalities not only enhances the competitive spirit but also brings a global flair to the tournament.
Local Heroes Get Their Chance
As the tournament unfolds in Kolkata, local players have the opportunity to shine. Shankar Das, a former Order of Merit champion, leads the group, backed by significant players like Rahil Gangjee, Viraj Madappa, Mohammad Sanju, Divyanshu Bajaj, and this year’s NexGen Order of Merit champion, Sunit Chowrasia. Feroz Ali Mollah, Indrajit Bhalotia, and Karan Verma are also stepping up to represent the host city, promising an electrifying atmosphere filled with local support.
What the Organisers are Saying
B. Sairam, the chairman of Coal India, expressed enthusiasm about sponsoring the tournament for another year, highlighting the solid foundation laid by last year’s event and the charm of holding it at the iconic Tollygunge Club. He articulated how the company views sport as a medium to inspire talent and foster community ties, demonstrating their commitment to nurturing the growth of professional golf in India.
In alignment with this sentiment, DP World PGTI CEO Amandeep Johl extended his gratitude to Coal India for its unwavering support. He voiced optimism that this edition of the Coal India Open will build upon the success of its predecessor, captivating golf enthusiasts and showcasing Indian professional golf in a city renowned for its sporting legacy.
For context, the inaugural Coal India Open took place in Ahmedabad last year, marking a significant step forward in building a competitive platform for golfers across India.