Nov 7, 2013. In a star studded ceremony held for the first time in India, The Take Solutions India Golf Awards made its debut in recognizing the leading names of Indian golf and corporate champions of the game. The India Golf Awards powered by www.golfingindian.com and created by leading golfing journalist Shaili Chopra recognized over 30 special winners across categories who were chosen by a special jury led by none other than the legendary GARY PLAYER. The chief guests for the evening were Chief Minister BS Hooda of Haryana (a state in north India which has courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus) and Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Ahluwalia.
Hooda was in for a surprise as he ‘teed off’ the event by putting on stage getting the camera go berserk for such a brilliant photo opportunity. Chopra, who is a golfer herself guided Hooda on his first lesson.
India’s top golfers from the country and across the world were present. The sassy Gaganjeet Bhullar won the best pro award. Gagan said “it’s a high time in indian golf. I would like to thank golfingindian.com. It’s a great initiative by them.”
The People’s Choice award went to the in-form Anirban Lahiri while the global recognition awards went to Shiv Kapur for making global headlines by leading the first few holes of the British Open 2013 on the first round and Arjun Atwal, who is the first Indian to win on the PGA Tour in United States.
Apart from recognizing the pros the India Golf Awards also recognized the efforts of corporate India is keeping the sport on the ball. Special awards to Pawan Munjal of Hero for outstanding contribution by a corporate. Munjal’s company is behind hosting India’s longest running tournament HERO Indian Open. Having sponsored several leading players, Mr Munjal also spoke about his vision for Indian golf, he said “I am happy to see India Golf Awards recognize the best in the game. This country needs more golf courses to promote the game and I hope events likes these will add to the support golf needs.”
It was the first time that India’s corporate honchos were recognized for their game. Puneet Chaddha, Head of Asset Management at HSBC in India, Aditya Khaitan of McLeod Russel which is the world’s largest tea company and Vijay Chauhan of biscuit giant Parle.
With golf set to grow in India the contribution of www.golfindian.com India’s only news portal has received admiration from top players of the game. Jeev Milkha Singh, one of India’s best known names says “I think the awards are a brilliant concept. www.GolfingIndian.com has done a spectacular job of taking golf in India to the next level. I admire this single handed effort to promote the game.”
The title sponsor of the India Golf Awards is leading IT company Take Solutions. Speaking on the occasion its Vice Chairman H R Srinivasan said “GolfingIndian.com has done a pioneering effort in conceiving and promoting this. It is important that the best ambassadors of the game are recognized – professional, amateur and others. This will go a long way in the development of this sport.”
For the first time ever the Take Solutions India Golf Awards also recognized the contribution of veterans by giving awards to Champika Sayal and Vikramjit Singh.
In a special gesture the awards ceremony also recalled the pioneering efforts of players of yesteryears by giving the Dr Bharat Ram Lifetime Achievement awards to Sita Rawley and Late Billoo Sethi.
