Arjun Atwal Backs 72 The League, Urges Indian Golfers to Build Mental Strength and Dream Bigger

India's most decorated international golfer Arjun Atwal has thrown his weight behind 72 The League, calling it an exciting step forward for Indian professional golf while also urging young players to develop the mental strength required to succeed globally.

Atwal (52), who serves as brand ambassador for the new franchise-based competition backed by the Professional Golf Tour of India, spoke passionately about belief, infrastructure and the mindset gap that he feels is holding Indian golfers back from consistently competing at the highest level.

"Coming Back Where I Started Is a Perfect Fit"

Reacting to the launch of 72 The League and the successful auction, Atwal expressed pride in being associated with the tour where his professional journey began.

"When I heard about the league starting, I was very excited about it. For them to make me the brand ambassador, I couldn't be more proud because coming back to the tour where I started my career from, it's a perfect fit," he told myKhel in an exclusive chat.

The auction, which saw a 60-year-old veteran and teenagers in the same player pool, particularly impressed the former PGA Tour winner.

"I think the auction went off really well. Everybody is happy with their picks and excited about the match play to start."

Youth and Experience: "It Elevates the League Right Away"

One of the talking points of the auction was the presence of teenage professionals alongside seasoned veterans like Mukesh Kumar, who was picked at 60.

Atwal believes such diversity adds immediate value.

"I had never heard of a 15-year-old turning pro back in my day. It's exciting for people to watch a young kid handle himself under pressure."

On Mukesh Kumar's continued competitiveness, Atwal added:

"I know him really well. It's amazing to see that he's still playing. The competitive fire in him is still alive."

For Atwal, these contrasting stories elevate the league instantly rather than requiring years to build credibility.

A Career Built on Breaking Barriers

Atwal's perspective carries weight. In 2010, he became the first Indian-born golfer to win on the PGA Tour when he captured the Wyndham Championship. He has also won multiple titles on the Asian Tour and European Tour, including the 2003 Carlsberg Malaysian Open and 2002 Caltex Singapore Masters, and has represented India at the highest international stages.

His journey from the Indian circuit to global success is precisely the template he wants the next generation to follow.

"It's Not Technical - It's Mental"

When asked why Indian golfers have not consistently replicated the international breakthroughs seen during his era and that of Jeev Milkha Singh and Jyoti Randhawa, Atwal identified mindset as the key differentiator.

"After a little while, it's all how strong you are mentally. The practice will only take you so much. Then it is the mental capacity that brings you to the highest level."

Atwal revealed that his parents introduced him to yoga at the age of 15, which helped him build mental resilience alongside physical skill.

"The pressure is the same for everybody. How you handle the pressure is through mental training."

He dismissed the idea that pathway choices, whether playing in Asia or Europe first, determine success.

"If you believe in yourself, you can go anywhere right away."

Confidence and Bigger Goals

Atwal wants Indian professionals to think beyond domestic comfort zones.

"I want everybody playing professional golf in India to have that sense of belief that I had. It's not just limited to India. They can go out and compete on the world stage."

He acknowledged that some players become comfortable competing on home circuits, but insisted that those with global ambitions must be prepared to challenge themselves abroad.

"My goal now is to give back to this nation."

Infrastructure and Grassroots Vision

While praising improvements in access and technology compared to his early years, Atwal believes infrastructure still needs significant development.

He pointed to countries like Korea and Japan, where land scarcity hasn't prevented the growth of elite players.

"Look at Korea, Japan - real estate is tight and golf is expensive. But they have multi-layered driving ranges. We don't need that much land for those."

Atwal emphasised affordable, accessible driving ranges as a practical solution to widening participation. He revealed plans to engage with government stakeholders to strengthen grassroots structures and expand access to the sport.

"That infrastructure has to start as of right now."

Backing 72 The League's Vision

With match play at its core and a blend of youth and experience in team rosters, 72 The League represents, in Atwal's view, an opportunity to inspire belief among Indian golfers.

His message remains consistent: talent exists, facilities have improved, and exposure is greater than ever. What remains is the mental edge and hunger to succeed globally.

For a golfer who broke barriers on the PGA Tour and carved a path few Indians had walked before, the blueprint is clear - belief first, preparation next, and fearlessness always.