Karandeep Kochhar returns for the IGPL Invitational Mumbai, joining a strong field including Aman Raj and Pukhraj Gill. The women’s event features Vani Kapoor and Pranavi Urs. Stakes are high for the Order of Merit and Bharath Classic qualification.
Strong Women’s Field, Bhullar to Skip
The women’s challenge will be one of the strongest to be seen this season, with Vani Kapoor, who has just won the Hero Order of Merit, teeing up this week. The other leading women stars will be Pranavi Urs, a Ladies European Tour regular and former WGAI Order of Merit winner; Sneha Singh; Amandeep Drall; Neha Tripathi; and Jasmine Shekar. India’s most successful star, with most Asian Tour wins to his name, Gaganjeet Bhullar, winner of the first two events, Chandigarh and Jaypee Greens, will skip the event this week, as he travels on the Asian Tour.
High Stakes for Order of Merit and Asian Tour
The latest event at the BPGC will also be crucial, as it is the last event before the all-important Bharath Classic 2025 Gujarat, which is co-sanctioned by the IGPL and the Asian Tour and carries a purse of $500,000. A good performance this week will also go a long way in winning the IGPL Order of Merit, which has multiple rewards. The OOM topper will secure a spot in the $ 2 million International Series in India, which could open further doors on the International platform. Additionally, a strong performance in the Bharath Classic 2025 Gujarat in Ahmedabad will help the players make progress on the Asian Tour for the 2026 season. Additionally, players will have the opportunity to secure spots in the Final Stage of Asian Tour Qualifying.Kochhar is already on his way to the Asian Tour following his win in Egypt, which will help him finish in the Top 5 of the Asian Development Tour (ADT). For many Indians, the Asian Tour has become the preferred Tour, considering its similar conditions and proximity to India.
Intense Battle for Order of Merit Crown
The Order of Merit battle will see leader Aman Raj being once again challenged by Pukhraj Singh Gill and teenager Kartik Singh. Pukhraj Singh Gill has put himself in line for Order of Merit honours following his first pro title in Jamshedpur. A win will push him to the top. Kartik, despite a series of excellent performances, is seeking his maiden win on the IGPL. A win this week in Mumbai could propel Kartik to the top. Other prominent names in the field are Kapil Kumar, winner in Pune, and Sachin Baisoya, who could also move to the top with a win.
Other Prominent Names to Watch
SSP Chawrasia, an icon player on the IGPL, Olympian Udayan Mane, and former Indian Open winner C Muniyappa will also be in the field, as will teenaged Veer Ganapathy, who is also seeking his maiden win after a series of good showings.However, for any of the three, Pukhraj, Kartik or Sachin to rise to the top, they will need Aman Raj to finish way down the leaderboard. On current form, Aman is looking good despite not finishing in Top-10 in Jamshedpur.(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)