Garhwal Post Bureau
Nainital, 22 May: The 21st edition of the “Governor’s Cup Golf Tournament” commenced on Friday at the Lok Bhavan Golf Course here. Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd) inaugurated the tournament with a ceremonial tee-off. The three-day tournament is witnessing participation from 179 golfers across various categories this year. The tournament has been dedicated to the memory of former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and former Union Minister, Major General Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri.
A total of 179 golfers are participating in different categories of the 21st Governor’s Cup Golf Tournament. The competition includes 110 players in the general category, 27 junior golfers (including 6 girls), 9 women golfers, 29 veterans, and 4 super veterans. The oldest participant in the tournament is 81-year-old Colonel HC Gupta, while the youngest participant is 7-year-old Ilakshi Rathore.
On the occasion, the Governor said that the Tournament is not merely a sporting event but also an effective platform to showcase Uttarakhand’s tourism potential and sporting capabilities. Dedicating this year’s tournament to the memory of the late Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri, he said that his commitment to the development of the nation and the state would always remain an inspiration.
The Governor highlighted that the participation of players ranging from an 81-year-old veteran to a 7-year-old girl reflects inclusive participation across age groups and demonstrates a strong sense of family involvement in sports. Referring to the natural beauty and historical significance of the Lok Bhavan Golf Course in Nainital, he said the course represents a unique blend of nature, wildlife conservation, and tourism.
The Governor also expressed happiness over the active participation of youth, girls, and women in this year’s tournament and associated training programmes. He mentioned that 135 children benefited from the earlier training programme, including a large number of girls. He described this as a positive reflection of the confidence and aspirations of Uttarakhand’s younger generation and the “Amrit Peedhi.”
He further stated that golf is not just a game of physical skill, but also teaches patience, discipline, focus towards goals, and mental balance during challenging situations. He added that the sport contributes to personality development while strengthening inner peace and concentration.
The Governor said that in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Fit India” and “Khelo India” vision, sports are becoming a medium for the holistic development of youth. He remarked that the spirit of “Jo Khelega, Wahi Khilega” is inspiring young people with new energy and direction.
On the occasion, Secretary to the Governor and Vice Chairman of Golf Course, Nainital, Ravinath Raman, Legal Advisor Kaushal Kishore Shukla, Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat, Additional Secretary Reena Joshi, District Magistrate, Nainital, Lalit Mohan Rayal, Senior Superintendent of Police, Nainital, Dr Manjunath TC, ADC to Governor Amit Srivastava, Major Sumit Kumar, Financial Controller Dr Tripti Srivastava, Golf Captain Colonel (Retd) Vivek Bhatt, officials from the local administration, sponsors, co-sponsors, and golfers were also present.
