Hyderabad, 11 October (H.S.):

Gaganjeet Bhullar of Vimtra Chennai Lions Golf Club clinched the title at the AM Green IGPL Krishna Invitational 2026 golf tournament, finishing at 14-under-par 196 to secure the top position at the Hyderabad Golf Club. Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka presented Bhullar with the winner’s trophy and a cheque for Rs 22.50 lakh.

Karandeep Kochhar and C. Muniyappa, both representing Punjab Raptors Golf Club, finished joint runners-up. Each received prize money of Rs 12.75 lakh. Hosted by Sumit Passi, owner of Krishna Punjab Raptors Golf Club, the tournament offered golf enthusiasts in Hyderabad an opportunity to witness an exciting display of competitive golf.

Reflecting on his victory, Bhullar said he was delighted to return to Hyderabad after a gap of 12 years. He praised the golf course and the playing conditions, while expressing gratitude to the organisers and hosts.

“It feels great to be back in Hyderabad after 12 years. I thoroughly enjoyed the golf course here, and the conditions were excellent. A special thanks to AM Green IGPL. We began this journey with IGPL last year. I am particularly grateful to Sumit Passi, owner of Krishna Punjab Raptors Golf Club, for hosting the Krishna Invitational 2026 and making this event possible. I hope this will not be my last appearance here,” Bhullar said.

Shiv Kapur, an Asian Games gold medallist and a three-time winner on the Asian Tour, said the tournament had made an encouraging start. He thanked everyone involved and outlined the organisers’ ambition to expand the competition’s international reach.

“Thank you all for being here. We have made a fantastic start. We want to take this tournament to a global level, bring players from around the world into the competition and elevate it to new heights,” Kapur said.

Bhaskar Reddy, president of the Hyderabad Golf Association, described the event as a celebration of golf for the city. He highlighted the opportunity it provided amateur golfers to play alongside professionals in a special pro-am format.

“Our members have witnessed some excellent golf this week and also had the opportunity to play alongside professional golfers in a special pro-am format. I have been playing golf for 35 years, but I have never seen a pro-am event quite like this. It is a unique opportunity for amateur golfers in the country,” Reddy said.

Telangana Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, AM Green Chief Executive Officer Gautam Reddy, AM Green IGPL Chief Executive Officer Uttam Singh Mundi, Hyderabad Golf Association president Bhaskar Reddy and tennis player Leander Paes were also present at the prize distribution ceremony.

Following the conclusion of the Hyderabad leg, the next event of the second season of AM Green IGPL is scheduled to take place in Visakhapatnam from November 3 to 5, 2026.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar