Srinagar, Oct 13: In an initiative aimed at recognising the contribution of golf caddies, encouraging youth participation in sports and promoting golf tourism in Kashmir, prominent hotelier and entrepreneur Akib Chaya, under the banner of Hilltop Hotels, organised the Swing in Autumn Caddy Golf Tournament at the Kashmir Golf Course (KGC), Srinagar.
The tournament, as per a statement, brought together caddies, senior golfers, prominent personalities from the hospitality and tourism sectors, and distinguished guests in a celebration of sportsmanship, opportunity and community participation.
Salman Sagar and Ehsan Pardesi graced the occasion as Guests of Honour, extending their encouragement and support to the participating caddies and the initiative.
The event was also attended by several respected senior golfers, including Ashraf Bakshi, Javed Bakshi, Sohail Kirmani, Ghulam Rasool Guroo, Usman Fazil, Manzoor Abbas and Sameer Bhat, whose presence added significance to the occasion.
Prominent dignitaries from various organisations included Mushtaq Chaya, President, Hoteliers Club; Tariq Ghani, President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Sheikh Feroz, President, J&K Hajj and Umrah Services; Sameer Baktoo, President, Eco Tourism; Nasir Hamid Khan, Honorary Secretary, Amar Singh Club; and Murad Kapra, Joint Secretary, Hoteliers Club.
Speaking about the initiative, Akib Chaya emphasised that the tournament was not merely about competitive golf but about recognising the invaluable role played by caddies in sustaining and developing the sport.
“Golf has given me tremendous joy, and having learnt the game at Kashmir Golf Course myself, I feel a personal connection with this place and the people associated with it. Our caddies are an integral part of the golfing community, and they deserve recognition, encouragement and opportunities to grow.”
Chaya further highlighted the potential of golf as a meaningful avenue of employment for Kashmir’s youth.
