Indian Army has opened gates of its golf clubs for jawans, break glass ceiling

CHANDIGARH: The hierarchy-conscious Indian Army has opened gates of its golf clubs for jawans for the first time. The privilege was earlier confined to the officer class.

An inter-formation golf championship - the first of its kind -- for junior commissioned officers and jawans of the Western Command was organized on Friday at the picturesque Shivalik golf club (Chandimandir cantonment) near here.

While the jawans teed off, the officers enjoyed the game from the sidelines.

The development is seen as an attempt to do away with colonial trappings in 1.5 million strong force and to bridge the gap between officers and other ranks. The move is the brainchild of the Western Command chief Lt Gen K J Singh, who wants to promote "camaraderie & esprit de corps through this wonderful sport".

Sources said the annual golf event would promote the game among the lower ranks.

Fifteen teams representing various formations participated in the championship, which Havildar M Sahoo won. Lance Naik PS Bhati was the runner-up. The Army commander awarded individual winners with cash prizes.

Air Marshal Randhir Singh, who was commissioned in 1942, told TOI soldiers of today are highly qualified and aspire for good life.

"This new move would certainly help in strengthening the bond among officers and jawans as everyone is equal on the playfield."

He added golf should be opened up to a select few as it needs a little leisure time and some cost, something only an officer can afford.

Singh said with such efforts, the Army is following the US model where officers and soldiers operate in close coordination. In India, there is large gap between officers much like there was a difference between British officers and the local soldier during the Raj.