New Delhi: Businessman Anand Mahindra has a message for NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani — if he is asking the UK to return the Kohinoor, they should send back the history-making, Indian-origin English golfer Aaron Rai as well.
“Son of Indian-origin parents. Just won the 2026 PGA Championship, the first English golfer to do so in 107 years. Zohran, in addition to the Kohinoor, perhaps you could ask them to send Aaron back to India as well?,” he had posted on X.
The billionaire was praising and congratulating Rai, the son of Indian-origin parents, who won the PGA Championship on 17 May. He became the first English golfer to do so in 107 years.
Before taking the trophy in hand, Rai told CBS Sports, “To be stood here is definitely outside my wildest imagination. I think just really good consistency over the last few weeks, in terms of practice and body’s been feeling great”.
A star since childhood
Rai, who won the 2024 Wyndham Championship, is known for his humility and hard work in the golf universe. He was born to Dalvir Shukla and Amrik Singh in Wolverhampton in 1995.
At a very young age, Rai started working with his brother’s hockey sticks. Fearing injuries, Rai’s mother brought him plastic clubs to play with. Since the age of seven, his love for golf had developed. His mother would take him to the range and caddied for him.
Rai secured multiple DP World Tour titles, including the 2018 Hong Kong Open, the 2020 Scottish Open and the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
Currently, he stands 22nd in the PGA Tour world ranking. With determination and resilience, Rai was able to bag seven professional wins.
While playing, Rai prefers wearing two gloves and iron head covers. When he started his career, his talent got recognition from Shabir Randeree CBE, who owned a golf course at the time, and decided to sponsor Rai’s golfing career.
Golf, widely regarded as an expensive sport, became a viable career path for Rai, thanks to the financial support of Randeree, whom he credits for helping him pursue the game without the burden of constant monetary pressure.
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The PGA Championship
Rai’s outstanding game was appreciated, as he finished with a score of 9 under par, meaning he finished the four-round tournament with nine fewer strokes than the course’s baseline standard (par).
The golfer defeated Spain’s Jon Rahm and American Alex Smalley. He was ahead by three shots. On a 72-course game, Rai emerged victorious with 63 strokes overall.
In the final round, despite the difficult conditions, CNN reported he delivered five under 65. Rai did not have a smooth beginning, but he recovered strongly with a dramatic birdie putt, which was nearly 70 feet on the 17th hole, the second-longest putt made during the tournament.
Even with the shot, he did not lose his calm till he reached closer to the trophy. He waited till a par on the 18th hole, till the time all other players were done and his victory was confirmed.
“Surreal”, that is how he defined his win.
“I really enjoyed the course this week and continued to hold the rounds together. … So yeah, phenomenal to be standing here”, he told CBS Sports.
(Edited by Saptak Datta)
Immature comment from Anand Mahindra. Sometimes, billionaires think they can say anything and it gets traction! It actually makes him look silly.