As the inaugural DP World India Championship approaches, anticipation is building among Indian golfers who are eager to showcase their skills on home soil against a strong international field. The historic Delhi Golf Club (DGC) is set to host the landmark event from October 16–19, marking the first-ever DP World Tour event in India.

The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) has announced the final list of 23 players who have earned entry into the US$4 million DP World India Championship. Leading the Indian challenge are Veer Ahlawat, the 2024 PGTI Rankings leader, and Shubhankar Sharma, an Arjuna Awardee and two-time DP World Tour winner, who qualified through international rankings.

The field also includes former PGTI No.1s Om Prakash Chouhan (2023), Manu Gandas (2022), and Udayan Mane (2021), along with Yuvraj Sandhu, the current PGTI No.1 with four wins this season, and Arjun Prasad, who recently secured his maiden victory. Other notable Indian players include Ajeetesh Sandhu, a former Asian Tour winner and last year's champion at DGC, as well as seasoned players like Saptak Talwar and Rahil Gangjee. Conspicuously absent is Gaganjeet Bhullar, who is ineligible after joining the IGPL Tour.

Anirban Lahiri, a LIV Golf professional, has also been invited to compete in the event. Lahiri expressed his gratitude to the DP World Tour for the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd again. He last won the Indian Open at DGC ten years ago and is excited to return to the renovated course. Shubhankar Sharma, who considers DGC his home course, is also looking forward to the challenge.

The DP World India Championship has attracted some of the biggest names in golf, including Masters champion Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald. McIlroy's participation is particularly significant, as it marks a rare appearance by one of the game's elite players in India. Several of McIlroy's European Ryder Cup teammates will also compete.

The strong field and the opportunity to compete on home soil have created a buzz among Indian players. The Delhi Golf Club, known for being a "tricky" course, will test the players' skills and course management. Luke Donald noted the course requires a more thoughtful approach due to the severe penalties for missing fairways.

Since the DP World Tour first visited India in 2008, there have been six Indian winners who have collectively won 16 titles. These include Jeev Milkha Singh, SSP Chawrasia, Arjun Atwal, Anirban Lahiri, Shubhankar Sharma, and Gaganjeet Bhullar. As the DP World India Championship approaches, Indian players will be hoping to add their names to this illustrious list and make their mark on the global stage.