New Delhi: Amid the ongoing DP World India Championship, former India cricket captain and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) president Kapil Dev has urged protesters to keep routes to the Delhi Golf Club clear so participating golfers can reach the venue on time.
Dev’s appeal comes ahead of the Tiranga March called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Connaught Place on 16 October.
“We like to see everybody coming and watching the game. But the system of government, whatever they are, we can’t really overrule anything. If they understand, it’s a very important tour, and if they can look into it and try to give ways to reach, that would be wonderful,” Dev said.
“I’m sure the protesters will be kind enough not to obstruct the route to Delhi Golf Club and allow national and international golfers to reach the venue on time,” he said, adding that young Indians were the country’s future and should act as responsible citizens.
Kapil Dev on making golf more popular
Dev has long advocated for the growth of golf in India, arguing that the sport should reach a wider audience.
“If cricket can become a game of the people, there is no reason why golf can’t become more popular,” he said in an interview.
He said he saw it as his responsibility to give young golfers a fair chance.
“You never know who has the talent. We need to promote the game and have more golf courses. Why should only cricketers have all the name, fame and money?” he said.
The DP World India Championship is being held at the Delhi Golf Club, from 15 to 18 October.
Ahead of the CJP march, nearly 6,000 police personnel were deployed in central Delhi. The administration also closed Connaught Place’s Central Park for two days.
Traders flag business losses; CJP blames restrictions
CJP chief Abhijeet Dipke disputed the suggestion that peaceful protests were responsible for obstructions or business losses. In a post on X, he blamed government restrictions on movement and internet services.
“Businesses do not suffer because of peaceful protests. They suffer when the government decides to shut down an entire city, suspend internet services and restrict the movement of its own citizens and turn the city into a war-zone,” Dipke wrote.
The New Delhi Traders Association had criticised the protest call, arguing that Connaught Place was a commercial hub rather than a protest site.
“Traders were already struggling with losses caused by earlier demonstrations. During the CJP protest, our business came down to 10 per cent,” said Atul Bhargava, president of the association.
Bhargava said the period was important for seasonal business, but protests were causing traders heavy losses.
(Edited by Maryam Hassan)