Aditi Ashok and Yuvraj Sandhu Lead India’s Golf Squad for Asian Games 2026
India has unveiled its six-member golf squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with Olympians Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar set to spearhead the country's medal challenge. The Indian Golf Union (IGU) announced the team on Sunday, selecting three men and three women based on their positions in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR).
The squad combines experience, proven international performers, and emerging talent as India seeks to build on its rich history in Asian Games golf and add to its tally of seven medals in the sport.
The golf competition at the 2026 Asian Games will take place from September 30 to October 3 at the Kasugai Country Club East Course. Athletes will compete in four medal events – men’s individual, men’s team, women’s individual, and women’s team.
Leading the women’s contingent is India’s highest-ranked golfer, Aditi Ashok. Currently ranked World No. 135, the Bengaluru golfer remains one of India’s strongest medal prospects heading into the Games.
Aditi has established herself as the face of Indian golf over the past decade. A three-time Olympian, she came agonisingly close to securing an Olympic medal at the Tokyo Games, eventually finishing fourth in one of the finest performances by an Indian golfer on the global stage. Her achievements at the Asian Games are equally significant. At the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, Aditi won the silver medal in the women’s individual event, becoming the first Indian woman to claim an Asian Games medal in golf. The achievement ended a long wait for India and highlighted her ability to deliver on the biggest stages.
With her experience and proven record in major championships, Aditi will once again carry the responsibility of leading India's challenge in Japan.
Diksha Dagar Brings Experience and Consistency
Joining Aditi in the women’s team is fellow Olympian Diksha Dagar, currently ranked World No. 221. The two-time Olympian and Deaflympics champion has been one of India’s most consistent performers on the international circuit in recent years. Since making her mark on the Ladies European Tour, Diksha has established herself among the leading golfers from Asia and continues to improve her standing in world golf.
The upcoming Asian Games will mark her second appearance at the continental event after competing at Jakarta 2018, where she finished 22nd. Since then, Diksha has gained valuable experience against elite competition and will be eager to improve on that performance.
Her inclusion strengthens a women’s squad that possesses both experience and genuine medal potential.
The third member of the women’s team is Pranavi Urs, ranked World No. 270. The Karnataka golfer has emerged as one of India’s brightest talents over the last few seasons. Pranavi represented India at the Hangzhou Asian Games and finished 13th in the individual standings, gaining valuable exposure at the continental level.
Her performances on the Ladies European Tour have demonstrated her growing consistency and ability to compete against strong international fields. With another Asian Games opportunity ahead, Pranavi will be aiming to make a significant impact and contribute to India's pursuit of medals in both the individual and team events.
Yuvraj Sandhu Headlines Men’s Team
On the men’s side, Yuvraj Sandhu will lead India’s challenge. Ranked World No. 447, Sandhu earned his place in the squad after a sensational 2025 season on the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). The Chandigarh golfer dominated the domestic circuit, winning a record seven titles during the campaign and establishing himself as one of India's premier professionals.
His consistency and winning mentality made him the highest-ranked Indian eligible for selection and a natural choice to spearhead the men’s challenge.
Joining Sandhu in the men’s squad are Veer Ahlawat and Saptak Talwar. Ahlawat, ranked World No. 549, has been one of the most reliable Indian performers across domestic and international competitions in recent years. Known for his aggressive style and powerful ball striking, he has steadily built a reputation as one of India's most promising golfers.
Talwar, ranked World No. 569, completes the six-member squad. The Delhi-based golfer secured his place through consistent performances during the qualification period and will be making his Asian Games debut. Together, the trio provides India with a balanced men's team capable of competing against Asia's strongest golfing nations.
India heads to Japan with a proud record in Asian Games golf. The country has won seven medals in the sport, including three gold and four silver medals. India's first major success came at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi when Lakshman Singh won individual gold before combining with Rishi Narain, Amit Luthra, and Rajeev Mohta to capture team gold.
Shiv Kapur added another individual gold medal at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, while India's men also secured team silver medals in 2006 and 2010.
More recently, Aditi Ashok’s silver medal at Hangzhou 2023 ended a two-decade wait for an Asian Games golf medal and demonstrated India's ability to challenge the continent’s best players.
With a squad featuring experienced Olympians, proven winners, and emerging stars, India will head to Aichi-Nagoya with realistic ambitions of adding to its medal collection. While traditional powerhouses such as Japan, South Korea, China, and Thailand will present formidable competition, the Indian team possesses the quality and depth required to challenge for podium finishes in both individual and team events.
As preparations intensify for the 2026 Asian Games, all eyes will be on Aditi Ashok, Diksha Dagar, and their teammates as they aim to write another memorable chapter in Indian golf history.
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