From L-R – Mannat Brar, Saanvi Somu & Zara Anand
India’s young golf contingent delivered a commendable performance at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, led by Chandigarh’s Mannat Brar, who emerged as the top Indian finisher in the girls’ event.
Mannat, the best Indian performer at the 2024 Hero Women’s Indian Open, carded rounds of 66-74-70 for a tied-13th finish at 6-under 210. Zara Anand of Noida followed in 15th place at 2-under 214 (70-70-74), while Saanvi Somu of Bengaluru was 16th at 1-under 215 (73-72-70). Together, the trio helped India finish tied-fourth in the team standings alongside Hong Kong and Vietnam.
In the boys’ event, Ribhav Verma, India’s sole representative, finished T-28 at 10-over 226 with rounds of 75-74-77.
This marked India’s return to the Asian Youth Games golf competition after 12 years. Back in 2013, Viraj Madappa finished ninth (74-79-68) and Ridhima Dilawari placed 14th (72-74-79), setting the stage for future Indian youth in the sport.
Once again no coach accompanied the young Indian contingent, marking a trend that continues from other prestigious international amateur tournaments, including the Asian Amateur in Dubai last week and the World Amateur Team event in Singapore the week before.
China dominated both categories in Bahrain, with Jinghan Cui capturing the girls’ gold at 21-under 195, and Jin Han leading the boys’ field.
The next Asian Youth Games is slated for 2029, with the host nation yet to be confirmed.