NEW DELHI, Feb 5: Cricket rules in India and golf will never be as popular despite surging interest, according to two of the country’s leading players.

Arjun Atwal and Jeev Milkha Singh hope this week’s inaugural Indian Masters, the first European Tour event to be held in the country, will further boost interest in golf but admit cricket is king.

“Cricket is a religion in India. I don’t think golf will catch up with it but I think it can become the second most popular sport in this country,” said Atwal, the first Indian to play on the US PGA Tour.

“Especially with the youngsters taking so much interest in it, I think definitely it could be the second most popular sport.”

Organisers of the Masters at Delhi Golf Club have decided to offer free admission hoping fans will flock to the course.

But like Atwal, Singh doesn’t see cricket losing its grip in the popularity stakes.

“I think cricket is far ahead of golf, and maybe if you get close to cricket, I think that’s going to be fantastic,” he said.

“I think we can’t compare the two because cricket is a massive sport, and golf is a little bit different. I think it’s two different ways we are looking at it. But if we can get close to cricket, I think in the next 10 years or so, I think that will be an achievement.”—AFP

Opinion

Editorial

The challenge before banks
27 Feb, 2025

The challenge before banks

THE gap is huge, to say the least. And those who own Pakistani banks, and the bankers who work for them, do not seem...
Torkham tension
27 Feb, 2025

Torkham tension

CONTROVERSY over demarcation of the common frontier is one of the key obstacles standing in the way of better...
Weak link
27 Feb, 2025

Weak link

KARACHI — economic powerhouse, cultural melting pot, and bustling metropolis of over 20m souls. There is much that...
Forgotten inmates
Updated 26 Feb, 2025

Forgotten inmates

Diversion programmes are needed for minor offences and people with psychosocial disabilities should receive treatment rather than be jailed.
Controlling crypto
26 Feb, 2025

Controlling crypto

THOUGH Pakistan’s official position on cryptocurrencies has evolved considerably over the years, there still seems...
Deadly roads
26 Feb, 2025

Deadly roads

DRIVING in Karachi can be hazardous, with chaos on the roads, and very little by way of following rules and...