Published: June 20, 2026 at 6:54 pm
Golf can become a powerful career pathway, economic growth driver for India and family sport, if supported with greater awareness, access and infrastructure, said Amandeep Singh Johl, CEO, DP World PGTI, at the Raising An Athlete Sports Talk Series hosted by Equalsportz, in association with India Habitat Centre, in New Delhi.
Speaking at a session on “Understanding Emerging Sports in India,” Johl said golf should not be seen only as a competitive sport or an elite pastime, but as a sport that teaches life values, brings families together and has the potential to contribute to tourism, investment and employment.
“Golf has been part of me since the age of seven. Some call it a game, some a sport, some a social space, some a stage to network and some a catalyst for growth. To me, it is all of the above,” Johl said.
He said the greatest lesson golf teaches is integrity. “Golf is one of the games closest to life. You get good breaks and bad breaks, but you still have to play the ball as it lies,” he said.
Johl also urged parents to introduce children to golf without putting early pressure on them to become champions. “Don’t teach anyone golf only to become a champion. Introduce them to the game and let them get to where they can get to. Golf is one of the greatest family sports, where grandparents, parents and children can spend quality time together,” he said.
Calling for stronger golf infrastructure in India, Johl said the sport has significant potential beyond competition. “India needs more golf courses; more access and more awareness. Golf can support tourism, real estate, investment and economic activity. The potential is huge,” he said.
The session brought together experts from golf, chess, mixed martial arts and squash to discuss how emerging and fast-growing sports are creating new opportunities for young athletes and families in India.
The panel featured Amandeep Singh Johl, Vishal Sareen, International Master and FIDE senior trainer, Siddharth Singh, founder and CEO, Crosstrain Fight Club and Dhruv Dhawan, director of coaching. The discussion was moderated by Amita Malhotra, founder, Equalsportz.
The speakers discussed the changing landscape of youth sport in India, including the role of parents, coaching quality, financial pressures, mental preparedness, competition structures and long-term sporting pathways. The discussion also highlighted the need for families to look beyond traditional choices and understand sports that are gaining recognition through global events, leagues and structured ecosystems.
The Raising an Athlete Sports Talk Series is designed as a platform for parents, young athletes, coaches and experts to have open conversations about the real journeys behind sporting ambition. The series aims to help families make more informed decisions while supporting the next generation of Indian athletes.
