Former India skipper Kapil Dev, on Wednesday, encouraged Olympic-bound Indian athletes to embrace fearlessness at the upcoming mega-event starting July 26. He expressed his hope that India would achieve a double-digit medal count in Paris. India will be represented by a strong 117-member athlete contingent, aiming to surpass the seven-medal haul achieved in Tokyo.
“I can’t really say for anybody but I can just wish them all the luck and hope we should win more medals this year and that’s important,” said Kapil, who also serves as the president of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). His comments were made on the sidelines of the launch of the second edition of the Trinity Golf Champions League (TGCL). “My advice to all (Indian athletes) would be to go and express yourself. I cross my finger and why not if we believe it (double digit medal haul) will happen.”
While refraining from commenting on Indian cricket and newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, Kapil extended his good wishes: “If Gautam Gambhir is taking that position (of head coach of Indian cricket team), I wish good luck to him and the team. I hope they do better than what we have done previously. I want to wish the Indian players all the best.”
Reflecting on his own journey, Kapil, who participated in numerous amateur golf events, expressed his hope for the sport’s growth in India. “When I started playing cricket, I never thought golf will reach this height. I hope to see golf reaching the heights of cricket one day,” he stated. “We just need good sponsors to promote the game. Without sponsors, nothing is possible. In five years time, we should reach there,” he added, highlighting the need for strong sponsorships to elevate the sport’s profile.
Kapil serves as the ambassador of TGCL and also participates in the league. The second edition of the tournament, building upon the success of its inaugural season, will feature eight teams—seven from India and one from Sri Lanka. The event is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru from September 2 to 7.
TGCL, modeled after the Indian Premier League (IPL), will be played in the Ryder Cup format. Each of the eight teams will comprise 20 players, including professionals, celebrities, and amateur golfers, competing for a top prize of Rs 30 lakh. The second and third placed teams will receive Rs 15 lakh and Rs 10 lakh respectively.
“It’s a unique concept, never seen something like this. I hope the prize money for the winners of TGCL will one million dollars in the next five years,” Kapil remarked, expressing his vision for the league’s future growth.
The eight teams vying for the title in this year’s TGCL are: Wave Riders, Mumbai Warriors, Chandigarh Titans, Chennai Hustlers, Dakshin Rangers, Lahari Lions, Golfism, and Colombo Lions.
