Hero Indian Open 2025: Sanjay Bhan on Hero Moto Corp's Commitment to Golf and the Future of Indian Talent | Exclusive

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The 2025 edition of the prestigious Hero Indian Open is set to be held from March 27-30 at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram. Some of the best golfers in the European Tour will participate in the $2.25 million tournament, which is part of the Asian Swing, which features the Singapore Classic, China Open, and Hainan Classic.

Defending champion Keita Nakajima of Japan will headline the tournament that propelled him to international recognition. Adding to the competitive intensity will be Germany's Marcel Siem, the 2023 champion, who ended a decade-long title drought with his victory.

As anticipation builds for one of India's premier golfing events, Sanjay Bhan, Executive Vice President of Hero MotoCorp, shared his insights on the brand's long-standing commitment to the sport, the challenges Indian golfers face, and the future of golf in the country.

Hero's Enduring Legacy in Indian Golf

Speaking exclusively to myKhel, Mr Bhan emphasised how deeply intertwined Hero and the Indian Open have become over the years. "Golf in India is now synonymous with Hero. You can't imagine an Indian Open without Hero's involvement," he said. "For nearly three decades, Hero has invested in golf and other sports, playing a key role in the growth of the game in India."

With an elite field shaping up for the 2025 edition, Bhan expressed optimism about the tournament's growing stature. "The level of interest in early player confirmations has been phenomenal. We already have the last two champions, Keita Nakajima and Marcel Siem, confirmed. The Indian contingent looks strong as well, and Shubhankar Sharma has already said it's time for him to win one."

The Challenge of DLF Golf & Country Club

Since its inception, only one Indian - SSP Chawrasia in 2017 - has won the Hero Indian Open at the DLF Golf & Country Club, a course known for its demanding layout. Bhan, however, believes that Indian golfers have the potential to conquer it.

"While it's challenging, it's certainly not unplayable. Indian golfers are just as skilled as their international counterparts. The key is exposure - more opportunities to compete against the best on different courses and under varied conditions," he explained. "That's the only way to bridge the gap."

Hero's Global Presence and Vision for the Future

Hero MotoCorp has played a significant role in promoting golf, not just in India but globally, with a strong presence on both the European Tour and PGA Tour. Bhan sees a broader responsibility in elevating Indian golf beyond sponsorships.

"We've done a lot and will continue to do more. But it's also crucial for stakeholders, including the media, to promote the game and spotlight emerging Indian golfers. One major international victory could change everything - just look at what Hideki Matsuyama's Masters win did for golf in Japan," he said.

Supporting Indian Golfers and Expanding Hero's Ambit

Hero MotoCorp has long been associated with legendary athletes like Virat Kohli and Tiger Woods, alongside Indian golfing stars such as Anirban Lahiri and Shiv Kapur. When asked about expanding their support system, Bhan indicated that Hero is constantly exploring new ways to foster talent.

"We're always looking at new ways to popularize the sport. Our core philosophy in sports is inspiration-creating that spark that makes people want to play. That's what we strive for in every initiative," he said.

Bringing Major Champions to India

Hero has previously facilitated marquee events, including Tiger Woods' visit to India in 2014. When asked about future initiatives to bring global stars to the country, Bhan acknowledged the logistical difficulties but remained open to the idea.

"Bringing major winners to India is not easy, especially when they're actively competing. Their schedules are incredibly packed. But it's something we're always exploring," he concluded.

With Hero MotoCorp's unwavering commitment and the growing stature of Indian golf, the Hero Indian Open 2025 is set to be a thrilling competition, one that could potentially mark the rise of India's next golfing superstar.