(R-L)Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi in conversation with Col. Tomar, Renuka Prasad (Hon. Secretary – Indian Cancer Society), and Gen. Shankar Prasad
Affluent golf communities around the world leverage their influence to raise money for worthwhile charitable causes and so the trend continues in India.
The Delhi Golf Club hosted the 14th annual ‘Drive Against Cancer’ on November 8, an initiative by the Indian Cancer Society aimed at bridging golf with cancer awareness. Supported for the long term by SRF, the event saw an impressive turnout from the golf and wider sports community, including former professional golfer Gaure Monga, cricketer Murali Kartik, and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, who all participated to rally behind the cause.
Young golf talents 16-year-old Zara Anand of Delhi, who led Indian Women’s Amateur Rankings in 2023 and 14-year-old Kartik Singh, India’s No.1 Amateur in the world rankings, added a fresh, inspiring edge to the event, while numerous CEOs, and industrialists from Delhi were also present, underscoring the widespread support in this fundraising effort.
Former Indian cricketer and avid golfer, Murali Kartik was championing the cause on course
The event featured the following prizes in multiple categories and on-course contests that rewarded high-level play –
Team Winners
Winners – Manish Periwal and Armaan Anand (83 points, Team Handicap 18)
1st Runners-up – Rustam Tiwari and Ashish Kaul (83 points, Team Handicap 21)
2nd Runners-up – Navnit Nakra and Amit Khansaheb (80 points)
The winning team will advance to the International Pairs Festival of Golf in Hua Hin, Thailand, in March 2025.
Individual Winners
Best Nett Individual – Neeraj Sachdeva (44 points)
Best Gross Individual – Armaan Anand (36 points)
On-Course Contest Winners
Closest to the Pin – Ashwani Singla
Longest Drive – Raghav Bhandari
Straightest Drive – Mukesh Arora
The gathered proceeds will support underprivileged cancer patients with care and rehabilitation services, raise awareness for early detection, and provide survivor support. The annual Drive Against Cancer tournament is a testament to how sports can significantly contribute to societal welfare, with the Delhi Golf Club’s grounds serving as the perfect backdrop for an event that emphasised both competitive spirit and communal solidarity.
