Shiv Kapur, the latest to win an Asian Games gold in golf for India, ends a hopeful two-decade long wait for a medal

Shiv Kapur (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images NEW DELHI: More than two decades after winning India’s only gold in golf at the Asian Games, Shiv Kapur believes the country’s current crop of golfers has the talent to bring home another medal from Nagoya.The golf competition at the 2026 Asian Games begins on September 30, with India fielding a six-member contingent comprising Yuvraj Sandhu, Veer Ahlawat and Saptak Talwar in the men’s competition and Pranavi Urs, Diksha Dagar and Aditi Ashok in the women’s competition.Kapur, who made history with his individual gold at the 2002 Busan Games, said the medal remains the defining achievement of his career and hopes the long wait will finally be over. “It’s been more than 20 years since my gold medal and I hope this team will break this streak. Even today, this medal remains the biggest achievement of my career because it belonged to India as much as to me,” Kapur, now 44, said on the sidelines of an IGPL event in Delhi.India has gradually become one of the strongest Asian golfing nations, with several players competing in Asia and the Ladies European Tour. Kapur feels that the experience in the team along with the confidence gained from recent international performances gives India a real chance to challenge for medals in both the team and individual events.

Do you believe India will win the gold medal in golf at the 2026 Asian Games?

More than 3,000 users shared the opinion today

More than 5,000 users have already voted today

More than 3,000 users shared the opinion today

Share an opinionKapur, who has represented India at several editions of the Asian Games, said the tournament has a unique emotional weight unlike any professional event. “When you play for India, it’s completely different. Every hit means more because you’re representing the country, not just yourself. That’s what made Busan so special for me,” he said.The former Asian Games star also believes Indian golf is entering an encouraging phase with a stronger domestic structure producing players capable of consistently competing at the highest level.As Nagoya approaches, Kapur hopes the next chapter in India’s Asian Games story will belong to a new generation as he concluded, “Records are meant to be broken. I would be happier than anyone if one of these boys or girls comes back with gold. That’s how Indian golf moves forward.”