Rishi Narain, the 1982 Asian Games gold medallist and one of Indian golf’s most influential marketers and administrators, was honoured by PGTI at the launch of their new League.
The honour was conferred during a gala evening aligned with the launch of the new PGTI league, in the presence of players, sponsors and industry leaders. The event was hosted by PGTI President Kapil Dev and attended by leading figures including Hero MotoCorp Chairman Pawan Munjal and ICC Chairman Jay Shah.
Narain’s journey in golf spans more than four decades. As a player, he won individual gold at the 1982 Asian Games before turning professional in the 1990s. As an administrator and promoter, he became a central figure in shaping the modern Indian golf ecosystem through publishing (Golf Digest India and India Golf Weekly), player management, sponsorship development and tournament organisation.
He also led the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation Bonallack Trophy All – Star Men’s Amateur team as non playing captain to victory against the European All Stars on two occasions, in 2023 ( Spain) and in January 2025 in the United Arab Emirates, making him the most successful captain for the Asia Pacific Team in the history of the tournament and the only Indian to be given the captaincy till date.
In early 2025, Narain took on the role of Head of Events, Sponsorship and Membership at the Asian Golf Industry Federation, further strengthening his footprint in the regional game.
The PGTI recognition acknowledges both his playing achievements and his enduring impact off the course — as a builder of platforms and pathways for Indian golf.
