When non-resident Indians had a gala time playing golf in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Dec.3 : It's winter season, a time when various non-resident Indians prefer visiting India, their native homes. Utilising this moment a golf tournament was organised here recently, which was participated by about 70 NRIs from different parts of the world.

The 3rd Chandigarh Golf Tournament gained significance with so many expatriate Punjabis enjoying a gala time.

For these amateur golfers, the three-day event involved much more than sports, as everyone also enjoyed sharing memories and business experiences.

These people appreciated the facilities and infrastructure. The rolling greens and the quiet surroundings were a charm.

Sukhi Rao, one NRI from United Kingdom said, "This is a very important place where you can make contacts with professionals and businesspersons who are here to play golf. One can have informal talks with each other too."

Avtar Singh Sangha, another NRI from U.K said, "I have invested and interested in investing more in Punjab. Few colleagues of mine playing here are also interested in investing in various plants."

The tournament offered a time to relax, unwind and enjoy drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.

For most of these second-generation expatriates, a visit to Punjab was actually a moment to cherish. Many of them are well-established entrepreneurs today. They say it is their love for the motherland which brings them back.

Besides having a good time, many of these people were interested to make investment and do some business in Punjab.

Paul Dhaliwal, a NRI, said: "Everything here is related to business. There are opportunities for the expansion of the game in abundance. But it needs to be promoted. Commercialization of the tournament will take it to next-level." C. S. R. Reddy, President of the Chandigarh Golf Association, said: "We are in touch with various NRI golfing associations around the world like Chicago, Singapore, Malaysia, and Dubai. Through such ventures both sides will get benefited. We will get a chance to go there and can have more information about business and everything."

The golfing tour was a pleasant break for these NRIs from their fast-paced lives abroad.

The occasion also helped authorities to project Chandigarh as a good tourist destination. y Sunil Sharma

ANI