States » EastPosted at: Nov 5 2026 1:38PM


Golf to drive drug free India campaign as GFI brings Bharat Nirman Yatra to Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Nov 5 (UNI) Taking the message of a drug-free India, youth empowerment and nation-building to the sporting arena, the Golf Federation of India (GFI) is set to organise a three-day golf festival in Odisha as part of its nationwide Bharat Nirman Yatra – GFI Tour 2026-27, scheduled to be held at the Bhubaneswar Golf Course from November 20 to 22.
The initiative aims to use sports, particularly golf, as a platform to promote the vision of Nasha-Mukt Bharat (Drug-Free India) and Viksit Bharat 2047, while encouraging healthy lifestyles, social responsibility and greater youth participation in nation-building.
Launched from Jaipur on October 31, the year-long national campaign seeks to promote Indian culture, traditions, values and sporting excellence while taking golf beyond its conventional boundaries and making the game more accessible to young people and communities across the country.
Announcing the Odisha leg of the initiative at a press conference here on Wednesday, GFI Founder and General Secretary Aryavir Arya, Bhubaneswar Golf Club President Pradipta Mohanty and Rajesh Kumar Nayak said around 160 golfers from five golf clubs in the state — Gopalpur, Paradip, Sambalpur, 120 Battalion and Bhubaneswar Golf Course — are expected to participate in the event.
More than 20 women golfers are also expected to take part in the three-day festival, reflecting the Federation's efforts to encourage wider participation and promote inclusivity in the sport.
Described by the organisers as one of India's largest golf festivals, the Odisha event will also provide a platform for emerging golfing talent. Top-performing players will qualify for the national-level championship, which will be organised after the completion of state-level events across all 28 states.
The winner and runner-up of the national championship will receive cash prizes of Rs 20 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, respectively.
The Bharat Nirman Yatra has already covered five locations, including Raipur and Bengaluru, as part of its nationwide journey. Through the campaign, GFI aims to popularise golf among younger generations and expand its reach to rural and underserved communities.
Established in 2021-22, the Golf Federation of India has adopted the broader objective of using golf as a tool for social development, character building and nation-building. The Yatra will place special emphasis on connecting young people with India's cultural heritage, traditions, discipline and values.
A key component of the campaign will be creating awareness about the harmful consequences of substance abuse and encouraging young people to adopt healthy, active and disciplined lifestyles. Special outreach programmes are also envisaged in schools, colleges and universities.
The Federation further aims to promote public participation in health and fitness, environmental protection and nation-building through sporting activities.
The guiding philosophy of the initiative is “From Individual Building to Nation Building",the GFI General Secretary said.
UNI DP
Tags: #Golf to drive drug free India campaign as GFI brings Bharat Nirman Yatra to Odisha
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