Indian Open back in Asian fold, to offer $1.5 million

The Indian Open would thus become the richest full-field Asian Tour event and is the result of a newly-inked agreement between the Asian Tour and Nimbus Sport, a media release said.

The development also ensures that India’s national championship features prominently on the Asian Tour schedule for the next three years.

Since its inauguration in 1964, the Indian Open has unearthed many of the country’s finest talents, including the likes of Arjun Atwal, Jeev Milkha Singh, Jyoti Randhawa and Gaganjeet Bhullar, besides attracting a stellar field of international players in the past such as Daniel Chopra, Mark Brown and Darren Beck.

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han lauded Nimbus Sport’s latest commitment to the development of golf in India and is confident that the Indian Open will continue to grow from strength to strength.

“We are extremely pleased to enter into a long-term exclusive partnership with Nimbus Sport for the Indian Open. With an increased prize fund up for grabs this year, it promises to be an exciting week of golf,” said Han.

“We will work closely with Nimbus Sport in putting together a grand event this year and building up to the “Golden Jubilee” in 2013,” added Han.

Yannick Colaco, Chief Operating Officer Nimbus Sport, is confident that the event would showcase the best of Asian golf.

“These are exciting times for professional golf in India, and for us to get into partnerships with the Indian Golf Union (IGU) and the Asian Tour reaffirms our commitment to building the commercial value of the sport,” Colaco said.