Kapur, last to win Asiad gold for India, hopeful golf medal wait will end

Shiv Kapur (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images

NEW DELHI: More than two decades after winning India’s only individual Asian Games golf gold, Shiv Kapur believes the country’s current crop of golfers has the talent to bring another medal home from Nagoya.The golf competition at the 2026 Asian Games begins on Sept 30, with India fielding a six-member contingent comprising Yuvraj Sandhu, Veer Ahlawat and Saptak Talwar in the men’s event, and Pranavi Urs, Diksha Dagar and Aditi Ashok in the women’s competition.

Kapur, who scripted history with his individual gold at the 2002 Busan Games, said that medal remains the defining achievement of his career and hopes the long wait finally comes to an end.

“It’s been more than 20 years since my gold medal, and I’m hoping this team breaks that jinx. Even today, that medal remains the biggest achievement of my career because it belonged to India as much as it belonged to me,” Kapur, now 44, said on the sidelines of an IGPL event in Delhi.India has steadily emerged as one of Asia’s strongest golfing nations, with multiple players competing in Asia and Ladies European Tour. Kapur feels the experience within the squad, combined with the confidence gained from recent international performances, gives India a genuine chance of challenging for medals in both team and individual events.

Having represented India across multiple editions of the Asian Games, Kapur said the tournament carries a unique emotional weight that is unlike any professional event. “When you’re playing for India, it’s completely different. Every shot 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 competing consistently at the highest level.As Nagoya approaches, Kapur hopes the next chapter of India’s Asian Games story will belong to a new generation, as he concluded, “Records are meant to be broken. I’d be happier than anyone if one of these boys or girls comes back with the gold. That’s how Indian golf moves forward."