By Rahul Banerji
How to get people outdoors and involved in a good cause at the same time was a poser for the Delhi Golf Club. Hold an event to honour corona-warriors, was the answer.
On Friday and Saturday,, the DGC – one of Delhi’s premier sporting institutions – will play host to the “Saluting India’s Covid Warriors”, to be played over both its courses.
The recently-renovated Lodhi course and the nine-hole ‘B’ Peacock course will be put to use as over 200 golfers are expected to turn out.
“We have been very fortunate to have the services of front-line warriors who have risked their lives to provide services at this time,” DGC president Maj R.S. Bedi (Retd), said at an online press event.
“And there are many such warriors within the staff and members of our club as well.
‘Humble effort’
“Saluting India’s Covid Warriors” is a humble effort and a sporting salute to say thank you to all these warriors across our country. We are grateful,” he added.
“Our club and frankly all sporting facilities within our country operate today thanks to the efforts of these brave warriors,” said DGC captain Rohit Sabherwal.
“And sport is important to help people regain or maintain both their physical and mental fitness, especially during these times.
“We have been able to enjoy the benefits of this wonderful sport thanks to our brave Covid Warriors and when our chief executive, Cdr Anil Rattan, suggested this concept, the management resonated with the sentiment/
“We then decided to promote the activity ourselves” Sabherwal said.
‘A round of golf’
“One advantage golf has is that it’s a sport which allows social distancing norms to be followed and the event will actually be a round of golf played over 18 holes of the main Lodhi Course/
“Participating in the activity will be Covid warriors from different clubs in Delhi, playing alongside those of the DGC,” said Maj Gen A.P. Dere (Retd), chairman Tournaments at the Delhi Golf Club.
“Participants will be competing on an individual Stableford format where a player gets points for her/his performance.
“There will be prizes for different handicap categories and to encourage juniors and to acknowledge the seniors, there will be a nine-hole contest played concurrently over the Peacock Course at DGC” he added.
Innovative event
Innovations have been interwoven into the event and Digraj Golf Inc has been mandated to manage the activity.
Strict social distancing and prescribed safety norms will be followed at all times. Even the prize distribution to be held on Saturday evening will have a gathering within prescribed limits.
Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi will be chief guest and will give away the prizes, the organisers said.
Several sponsors have come forward, the lead taken by Siddharth Shriram of Mawana Sugars who has anchored the event.
Others include Radico Khaitan, HDFC Bank, 360 Degrees, Kangen Water and Hero Cycles, Digraj Singh said.
Funds from the event and through contributions from Delhi Golf Club members will be presented to Ms Lehoi including a cheque of Rs 25,01,001 that has already been readied.
Also read: Cricketers hold their own at DGC charity golf event
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