Indian golf receives a major boost this week as the Asian Tour makes its long-awaited return to the country with the inaugural Bharath Classic 2025 Gujarat at the Kensville Golf Resort.
The $500,000 event, co-sanctioned by the IGPL Tour, marks the first Asian Tour tournament on Indian soil since March 2023, and brings with it significant rewards Asian Tour playing privileges through 2026–27 and potential pathways into the International Series and LIV Golf.
Leading India’s challenge is Aman Raj, the current IGPL Merit List leader and one of the Tour’s most in-form players this season. With wins in Jaipur and Kolkata, Aman heads a formidable Top-4 from the IGPL standings, followed closely by the big-hitting Pukhraj Singh Gill, Jamshedpur champion; Sachin Baisoya; and teenage sensation Kartik Singh. Kapil Kumar, another IGPL winner, also features in a field stacked with domestic talent.
For many Indian players, the Bharath Classic is not just another tournament it is an opportunity to reshape the trajectory of their careers. IGPL CEO Uttam Singh Mundy echoed this sentiment, calling the Asian Tour’s return “a big moment for Indian golf.” He added, “All our top stars have come through the Asian Tour. Our boys have always performed well at home, and this platform gives them the chance to grab their Asian Tour card.”
Aman Raj Eyes Direct Route Back to the Asian Tour
Aman Raj, who has made no secret of his ambition to return to the Asian Tour full-time, sees the Bharath Classic as a golden opportunity. “My aim is to top the IGPL Order of Merit and get to Q-School, but a win this week gives me a shortcut,” he said after his practice round. “The course is looking great the rough is up, the greens are rolling fast—and it will be a solid test.”
Aman also acknowledged the strength of the international presence, led by a strong contingent from Thailand. “Jazz (Janewattananond) is here, Ekpharit Wu is coming off a win in Taiwan. It will be a tough week, but our home challenge is also very strong. Four great days of golf are coming up.”
International Experience Meets Rising Indian Talent
Among India’s seasoned contenders is Ajeetesh Sandhu, a former Asian Tour winner who welcomed the return of top-tier Asian competition to the country. “It’s good to have the Asian Tour back in India after a long time. I hope more events return to the schedule. This gives our boys a big chance,” he said.
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Also in the field is Yuvraj Sandhu, a multiple-time winner on the domestic circuit who has enjoyed a prolific season with five titles. With the Asian Tour season nearing its conclusion, Yuvraj is pushing to retain his card and sees the home event as a crucial opportunity. “Playing an Asian Tour event at home is always special,” he said.
Earlier in the year, during a domestic event at Kensville, Mysore’s Yashas Chandra finished runner-up. With the course suiting his eye, he will be eager to go one better this week.
A Showcase for India’s Next Generation
The Bharath Classic also serves as a platform for emerging young stars such as Kartik Singh and Veer Ganapathy, both of whom have made impressive strides in their rookie professional seasons. For them, the tournament represents a chance to test themselves against seasoned Asian Tour winners and potentially accelerate their rise.
Gill, who has produced strong results on the Asian Development Tour, also views this week as a chance to showcase his potential on a bigger stage.
A Premier Venue and a Crucial Moment for Indian Golf
Kensville Golf Resort, known for hosting past Challenge Tour events and multiple domestic tournaments, offers an ideal stage for the Bharath Classic. Its demanding layout, fast greens, and thick rough promise a strong test of skill across the four days. As the eighth event of the IGPL season, the Bharath Classic carries heightened significance, particularly for Asian Tour players like Ajeetesh Sandhu and Yuvraj Sandhu fighting to secure or retain their playing rights.
Alongside them, fans will see a strong roster of Olympians and former champions including Udayan Mane, SSP Chawrasia, Rashid Khan, Khalin Joshi, Viraj Madappa, and former Indian Open winner C. Muniyappa. With so much on the line from Asian Tour cards to career-defining breakthroughs the Bharath Classic promises four days of intense, high-quality golf as India welcomes back one of Asia’s biggest sporting platforms.
