Singapore: A stalwart of the golfing scene in Asia for the past four decades, Rishi Narain has joined the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) in the role of Head – Events, Sponsorship, and Membership.

“As a prominent figure in the golf industry around the region, Rishi is already well known to many of our member companies. We’re delighted to bring him on-board,” said Chris Gray, President of the AGIF.

“With his energy and expertise, and the support of his own team in Delhi, Rishi will be overseeing a number of AGIF events around the region in the months to come.

“That will culminate in the annual AGIF Conference, which is set to return to the Sime Darby Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur to coincide with the LPGA Tour’s Maybank Championship at the end of October,” added Gray.

Narain was an Asian Games gold medallist for India in the 1980s and a professional golfer in the 1990s. Since the turn of the century, he’s been a key figure in many areas of the Indian golf industry, including publishing, player management and event promotion and management.

In January, Narain enjoyed a second successful stint as non-playing Captain of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Bonallack Trophy team in the biennial Ryder Cup-style match play event against the European Golf Association in the United Arab Emirates.

Narain said: “I’m very much looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

“Having attended the 2024 AGIF Conference and spent time chatting with many of the speakers and delegates, it’s clear that there is incredible potential to grow the Federation.

“Given the growth of the game across Asia, the industry needs a strong organisation to be leading the way. When you consider the list of high-profile members that it has, the AGIF is perfectly positioned to be just that.”

Gray added: “Rishi will be reaching out to AGIF member companies in the weeks and months ahead to hear their thoughts about how the Federation can best support their businesses and help to grow the industry.”