Greater Noida’s Jaypee Greens Golf Course became the stage for a battle of skill, grit, and mental strength as Maharashtra’s Vibhu Tyagi claimed top honours in the Deaflympics Golf Selection Trials 2025. Over two grueling days of competition from August 6 to 8, Tyagi’s steady play under intense heat, heavy humidity, and tricky gusts earned him the No. 1 spot in the men’s category.

His final tally of 168 (24-over par) might not tell the whole story, but every stroke was a testament to composure under pressure. The trials, organised by the All India Sports Council of the Deaf (AISCD) with technical guidance from the Indian Golf Union (IGU), weren’t just about numbers on the scoreboard — they were about resilience, representation, and the spirit to compete at the highest level. 

Following Tyagi, Harsh Singh of Uttar Pradesh secured second place, while Jastar Singh Billing from Chandigarh rounded out the top three. The event also made a mark for its inclusivity, with one determined female golfer joining the six-player field — a sign of the growing reach of golf in India’s hearing-impaired sporting community.

The trials began on a warm August morning with encouraging words from IGU Treasurer Sanjeev Rattan and AISCD Chairman Mohinder Singh, who reminded participants that they weren’t just competing for themselves but for the pride of representing India at the Deaflympics 2025 in Tokyo. Also present were project manager Somesh Sharma and badminton technical director Sonu Anand Sharma, adding their support to the cause.

Speaking after the event, Chairman Mohinder Singh lauded the level of play and the determination on display.

“The competition was fierce, and every player gave their best. These athletes are a source of pride for the nation. As our Prime Minister says, ‘Jo khele, woh khile’ — those who play, flourish,” he said, wishing the winners the best for Tokyo."

However, the tournament wasn’t without its setbacks. Golfer Ishant S. Shikare was disqualified after Round 1 for breaching Rule 3.3b of the 2023 Rules of Golf — a decision the tournament committee made to uphold fairness and integrity.

As the sun set over Jaypee Greens on the final day, the scoreboard told one story, but the fairways and greens told another — of perseverance, sportsmanship, and the unbreakable will to compete. For Tyagi and his fellow qualifiers, Tokyo now awaits, along with the chance to wear the tricolour on one of the sport’s biggest stages.