Delhi High Court Confirms IGU as Official Golf Body in India

The Delhi High Court has officially recognised the Indian Golf Union (IGU), led by Brijinder Singh, as the legitimate national federation for golf in India. In a ruling issued by Justice Sachin Datta, the court confirmed that the IGU is duly acknowledged by the sports ministry as the sole National Sports Federation (NSF) for golf in the country.

The court’s decision stemmed from a petition filed by the IGU, which challenged the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for not inviting its duly elected representatives to a Special General Body Meeting on Wednesday. Justice Datta highlighted that the IGU’s elections, held on December 15, 2024, received recognition from both the sports ministry and the International Golf Federation (IGF). This endorsement allows the IGU to continue representing India in international golf events.

In response to the court’s ruling, the IOA has agreed to include the names of golfers nominated by the IGU for the upcoming Asian Youth Games (AYG). Secretary S K Sharma of the IGU confirmed that the selected athletes include Veer Ganpathy, Anshul Mishra, and Raghav Gulati in the boys’ category, along with Mannat Preet Brar, Zara Anand, and Saanvi Somu representing the girls.

The decision not only affirms the legitimacy of the IGU but also ensures that these young athletes will have the opportunity to compete on an international platform. The IOA has appointed Yogeshwar Dutt, a bronze medallist wrestler from the London Olympics, as the chef-de-mission for the Youth Games, further enhancing the visibility of India’s representation in sports.

This ruling marks a significant moment for golf in India, providing a clear pathway for the sport’s governance and representation at international events, while also setting a precedent for cooperation between the IGU and the IOA. As the IGU continues to prepare for the challenges ahead, the support from the sports ministry and the judicial acknowledgment solidify its role in promoting and developing golf in the country.