16 October 2026 (Navroze Bureau) Former India cricket captain Kapil Dev has called for greater promotion of golf in India, arguing that athletes from other sports also deserve recognition, financial opportunities and public attention. In a recent interview, the 1983 World Cup-winning captain questioned why cricketers should receive most of the fame when athletes in other disciplines invest similar effort and dedication in their careers.\
Kapil Dev, widely remembered for leading India to its first Cricket World Cup title in 1983, has developed a strong passion for golf after retiring from professional cricket. He currently serves as president of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and is working to increase the sport’s reach and opportunities for aspiring players.
Speaking about his current interests, Kapil said he had no intention of retiring from work as long as he remained capable of contributing. Although his cricketing achievements made him one of India’s most recognisable sporting figures, his attention is now focused on golf and its potential to grow in the country.
Kapil Dev wants golf to receive more attention
Kapil believes that India should broaden its sporting culture instead of concentrating so heavily on cricket. His argument is that athletes across different disciplines train hard, compete under pressure and dedicate years to improving their performances. They should therefore have opportunities to earn a living and build successful careers through sport.
“Why should cricketers have all the fame?” is the central question behind his appeal to promote golf more widely. He believes greater sponsorship, improved facilities and increased public participation could help golfers gain recognition and financial stability.
Cricket has developed a large audience and strong commercial ecosystem in India, supported by professional leagues, broadcasters, sponsors and extensive grassroots participation. Kapil’s remarks highlight the challenge facing sports that have not yet achieved a comparable level of visibility and investment.
How Kapil Dev discovered golf
Interestingly, Kapil did not play golf during his professional cricket career. He was introduced to the sport by friends in Chandigarh and became interested after trying it for the first time.
During his younger years, he enjoyed several sports apart from cricket, including football, basketball and squash. Golf, however, became a major interest only after his playing days ended.
Kapil has said that cricket and golf have limited similarities, although hand-eye coordination is important in both. He appreciates golf not only as a competitive activity but also as a way to meet people, remain active and enjoy time outdoors.
His involvement in golf has also given him a new perspective on the difficulties faced by athletes outside cricket. As president of the PGTI, he has an opportunity to help create pathways for emerging golfers and encourage greater participation across the country.
Better facilities and opportunities for young players
One of the major challenges for golf in India is access to suitable facilities. Golf courses and equipment can be expensive, and beginners may find it difficult to enter the sport without financial support or nearby training infrastructure.
Kapil believes that increasing access to golf facilities and identifying young talent should be priorities. Smaller practice facilities and driving ranges could help introduce the sport to children who might otherwise never get the opportunity to try it.
He has also argued that golf should not be seen as a sport reserved only for wealthy or privileged people. Greater grassroots participation, sponsorship and structured development programmes could help players from different backgrounds pursue the game.
For young athletes, the availability of coaching, equipment, competition opportunities and financial support can make a significant difference. Without these foundations, talented players may struggle to develop their abilities or continue playing professionally.
Can golf expand its popularity in India?
India’s sporting landscape has traditionally been dominated by cricket, but golf and other disciplines have opportunities to reach wider audiences. Increased media coverage, corporate support, accessible training facilities and successful Indian players could help attract more participants.
Kapil’s own journey from cricket legend to golf administrator gives him a prominent platform to advocate for this change. His message is not that cricket should receive less recognition simply because of its success, but that other sports should receive more opportunities to develop.
The growth of golf will depend on sustained investment and efforts to make the game more accessible. If organisations can improve grassroots infrastructure and provide meaningful support to emerging players, the sport could attract a broader base of participants.
Kapil Dev’s appeal ultimately centres on creating a more balanced sporting environment in which talent from different disciplines can flourish. His view is that sporting achievement should be recognised across the board, giving athletes in golf and other less-publicised sports a fairer chance to earn recognition and build sustainable careers.