By Rahul Banerji
Two weeks ago, golfers Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson came together with former American football superstars Tom Brady and Payton Manning to raise money for the Covid-19 battle at home.
Come next month, and India will have its edition of a golf-centric star-studded fundraiser too in the Champions For A Cause initiative at the recently-renovated Delhi Golf Club.
This will see 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev and former India spinner Murali Karthik join golfers Gaganjeet Bhullar and Shubhankar Sharma in aiming to raise over Rs 1 crore for corona-virus related relief.
The date, July 11. The format, match-play over 18 holes between the two teams, “with variations” as event organiser and 1982 Asian Games gold medallist Rishi Narain put it.
‘Our duty’
Confirming his participation, avid golfer Kapil Dev said “When the country is facing such challenges, it is our duty to do whatever little we can to help.
“It (Champions For A Cause) is a great initiative and as a sportsman it also gives me the added thrill of competing with the best pro golfers in the country.”
While Kapil will partner nine-time Asian Tour winner Bhullar, Karthik will play alongside Shubhankar, if the latter is available ahead of the British Masters the following week.
The former Asian Tour Order of Merit topper and 2018 European Tour Rookie of the Year is waiting for clarification on UK quarantine rules as he is keen to play the European Tour event.
The charity match aims to raise funds in support of Covid-19 relief efforts in partnership with the Magic Bus India Foundation, which works to raise funds for under-privileged children.
Safety first
It will follow government guidelines prevailing at the time in terms of spectators and aims to raise at least Rs 1 crore in support of Magic Bus.
The ‘Champions for a Cause-Charity Golf Match’ will also feature a set of on-course challenges to raise additional charitable funds.
“It is wonderful that cricket and golf are getting together for this noble cause,” said Bhullar.
“Both cricket and golf have over decades relied heavily on building communities around their sport in their own ways. If ever there was a need to rebuild communities, it is now and just feel blessed to be able to contribute,” he added.
Chennai-based golf administrator Dilip Thomas is the lead donor for the event which is being managed and marketed by Rishi Narain Sports Marketing.
Also read: Woods, Mickelson raise $20 million for charity with NFL stars
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