Vibhu Tyagi Clinches Top Spot at Deaflympics Golf Selection Trials 2025 in Greater Noida
Greater Noida, August 12 – Maharashtra’s Vibhu Tyagi has claimed a decisive victory at the Deaflympics Golf Selection Trials 2025, finishing first among male participants after two grueling rounds at the Jaypee Greens Golf Course. With a combined score of 168 (24 over par), Tyagi outplayed his rivals in an event marked by sweltering heat, high humidity, and strong gusts — conditions that tested both skill and endurance.
The trials, organized by the All India Sports Council of the Deaf (AISCD) in partnership with the Indian Golf Union (IGU), were held to finalize India’s golf representation at the Deaflympics 2025 in Tokyo later this year.
High Stakes Under Harsh Conditions
From the very first tee-off, the weather proved to be a formidable opponent. The August heat over Greater Noida’s lush greens was unrelenting, with midday humidity sapping the players’ stamina and swirling winds making shot control a constant challenge.
Despite the punishing environment, Tyagi maintained a steady game across both rounds, showing composure in putting and a sharp ability to adapt to shifting wind patterns.
“This was not just about golf; it was about mental resilience,” Tyagi said after his win. “You had to keep your focus even when the conditions got into your head.”
Final Leaderboard
- 1st Place: Vibhu Tyagi (Maharashtra) – 168 (24 over par)
- 2nd Place: Harsh Singh (Uttar Pradesh)
- 3rd Place: Jastar Singh Billing (Chandigarh)
The competition featured six athletes, including one female participant, marking a significant step in inclusivity for the hearing-impaired sporting community in India.
Officials Praise Determination and Fair Play
The opening ceremony saw IGU Treasurer Sanjeev Rattan and AISCD Chairman Mohinder Singh welcoming the athletes and acknowledging the spirit of the competition. Also present were Somesh Sharma (Project Manager) and Smt. Sonu Anand Sharma (Technical Director – Badminton), underscoring the inter-sport solidarity among India’s differently-abled sports administrators.
Speaking after the event, AISCD Chairman Mohinder Singh stressed the importance of transparency in selection:
“The selection trials were conducted in a fair and transparent manner. Despite the small field, the competition was fierce. I thank the Indian Golf Union for its guidance and wish the winners as well as other participants the best of luck. As our Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, ‘Jo khele, vo khile’ — these special athletes are privileged to represent India at the top level.”
A Disqualification for Rule Breach
The competition was not without controversy. Participant Ishant S. Shikare was disqualified after Round 1 for breaching Rule 3.3b of the 2023 Rules of Golf, which relates to the proper completion and submission of a scorecard.
Following a thorough review, the tournament committee decided that enforcing the rule was essential to uphold fairness and integrity.
Building Toward Deaflympics 2025
The Deaflympics, officially sanctioned by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD), are scheduled for later this year in Tokyo. The games provide a global platform for elite hearing-impaired athletes across various sports, from athletics and swimming to team games and individual competitions like golf.
India has been steadily increasing its participation in the Deaflympics over the past two decades. While golf is still a relatively new sport in the Indian Deaflympics roster, the AISCD sees it as a growth area, with potential to bring home medals in the coming years.
Golf and the Hearing-Impaired: A Growing Arena in India
Golf’s entry into the Deaflympics program has opened doors for many hearing-impaired athletes who previously had few competitive platforms in the sport. With courses like Jaypee Greens offering world-class facilities, Indian players now have the infrastructure to train at par with international standards.
The IGU’s collaboration with AISCD marks a step toward creating regular domestic tournaments for differently-abled golfers, something that athletes like Tyagi believe is critical for long-term success.
“Exposure is everything,” Tyagi said. “The more tournaments we have, the more we learn to handle the pressures of competitive golf.”
Road to Tokyo: What Lies Ahead
With the trials complete, the selected golfers will enter a rigorous training phase. This will likely include technical coaching, mental conditioning, and acclimatization programs to prepare for Tokyo’s playing conditions.
Tokyo in autumn presents a different challenge from Greater Noida — cooler weather but potentially unpredictable rains and coastal winds. Indian golfers will need to adapt quickly to foreign greens, which tend to have faster putting surfaces.
A Moment for Recognition
While Tyagi took the top honors, the event spotlighted the dedication of all participants, each representing a step forward for inclusive sports in India. The presence of a female golfer in the trials underlined the potential for gender diversity in the country’s hearing-impaired sports community.
“Every one of these athletes is a pioneer,” said Project Manager Somesh Sharma. “They’re breaking barriers, not just competing.”
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Vibhu Tyagi’s triumph at the Deaflympics Golf Selection Trials 2025 is more than just a personal victory — it’s a milestone for Indian sport. In overcoming grueling conditions, navigating the pressures of selection, and setting his sights on Tokyo, Tyagi represents the spirit of resilience that defines champions.
As India’s golfers prepare for the Deaflympics stage, the hope is not only for medals but for greater recognition and institutional support for hearing-impaired athletes nationwide. If today’s trials are any indication, the fairways ahead may be challenging, but they are also wide open with opportunity.
