Golf | IGU faults IOA for creating confusion, insists players wont suffer

Even as factional issues in Indian golf continue, Major General Bibhuti Bhusan has categorically placed the blame on the IOA for creating confusion in the sport.

“There is only one IGU which is recognised by the international federation, the Asian body and the Sports Ministry and registered with the Registrar of Societies. We have organised 50-odd tournaments pan India and sent teams to almost 15 tournaments in the last one year.

“We are giving funds, coming from the ministry to us, to the players. When we are recognised by everyone in the world, why is the IOA going elsewhere? It’s solely the IOA that is creating confusion,” Bhushan, the Director General and CEO of IGU declared on the sidelines of an event on Thursday.

The Indian Golf Union, headed by Brijinder Singh, is recognised by the sports ministry and the International Golf Federation but the Indian Olympic Association continues to consider the faction headed by Harish Kumar Shetty. Both held their elections on December 15, 2024 and the matter has been subjudice since then.

The matter gained importance with the final date for sending the long list of golf entries for the Asian Games being January 31. While both factions have sent their respective lists, Bhusan made it clear the players would not suffer.

“We have sent names of eight men and women each on the basis of the Official World Golf Rankings, which is the same for everyone, so the players won’t suffer. But the IOA has not admitted to receiving our list,” he insisted.