Jeev Milkha Singh unveiled on Tuesday night the Rolex awards for exceptional achievements from India's leading amateurs.
Rolex also tied up with the Indian Golf Union (IGU) as the Official Timekeeper of the IGU.
India's top professional and world No. 34, Jeev Milkha Singh, who is also a Rolex Brand Ambassador gave away the first series of awards.
Mr Gean'Noel Bioul from Rolex said, "Jeev Milkha Singh is a role model for every golfer in India; not just golfers but every young aspiring sportsman. What characterizes his success is his constant pursuit of perfection which is also the guiding philosophy of Rolex."
Mr. TT Jagannathan, the president of the IGU was confident that the tie-up would ensure that more stars continue to emerge from the junior and amateur circuit. "There is no doubt that the Amateur Tour is the breeding ground for our future champions. Jeev along with many others had a celebrated amateur career before donning the mantle of torchbearers of Indian golf. Thus with the tie-up with Rolex, the IGU will now be able to concentrate more on a structured development programme" he said.
"I am sure the Rolex Awards will go a long way in motivating and creating a zeal amongst the youngsters to give their best and in return we would be boasting of some of the best golfing talent in the world soon," said Jeev who is just back from the Middle-East swing on the European Tour.
The experienced Gagan Verma, the leading player on the national amateur tour, was awarded with the title of the top amateur. Not far behind was Rashid Khan, the rising star on the national amateur tour. Rashid, in his rookie year, has won three back-to-back titles. He has shown a lot of promise through his junior days and having done well both in India and outside, was feted with the title of the most outstanding junior golfer.
Rashid's compatriot Chikkaranagappa, was crowned as the top junior with the Bangalore lad having shown a lot of promise and just recently won the Eastern India Championship.
The Rolex Awards were also handed out to Gauri Monga and young Gurbani Singh who is fresh from her victory at the All India Ladies Amateur championship.
