The next domino falls: Hero Indian Open is called off

By Rahul Banerji

There was an air of inevitability as the announcement finally cancelling the forthcoming edition of the Hero Indian Open arrived on the desk this afternoon.

With the Hero Women’s Indian Open being called off three days ago, it was on the cards that other major golf events scheduled in India would follow given the severity and pace of the virus’ growth.

As of now, the Asian Tour has not yet made an announcement on a planned Indian Swing in October-November, but that too now seems to be a matter of time as cases continue to grow on an almost exponential scale.

Rescheduled once

The Hero Indian Open was rescheduled from its March dates to end October-early November. The Panasonic Open India was to precede the national Open as also a planned new event at the Delhi Golf Club.

Both latter tournaments – part of the Asian Tour schedule – are also likely to be axed for the year.

“Keeping the health and safety of everyone as top most priority in view of the current situation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Indian Golf Union today announced the cancellation of the Hero Indian Open 2020,” a statement said.

“The decision was made following consultation with the sanctioning partner, the European Tour. 

“The Hero Indian Open 2020 was earlier postponed from March to later in the year.”  

‘Right call’

“It was a very difficult decision, but the right one under the present circumstances of the ongoing pandemic,” said IGU acting president Lt Gen D. Anbu (Retd).

“With no likelihood of any respite in the foreseeable future, safeguarding the health and well-being of all players, officials and spectators is of paramount importance.

“I would like to thank Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman and CEO, Hero MotoCorp Ltd. for his continued patronage, and the European Tour and Asian Tour for their support,” Gen. Anbu added.

The Hero Indian Open was established by the Indian Golf Union in 1964 and is is one of the oldest running international sports events in India.

One of the flagship golf events in Asia, the event got a new title sponsor in 2005 when Hero MotoCorp stepped in and have supported it since.

The Hero Indian Open became a European Tour-sanctioned tournament in 2015. Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher is the defending champion.

Also read: Corona-virus forces Hero Indian Open postponement