Akib Chaya Organises ‘Swing in Autumn’ Caddy Golf Tournament at Kashmir Golf Course, Promotes Youth Employment and Golf Tourism
Hilltop Hotels backed event honours caddies and pushes Kashmir as a golf destination
Srinagar, October 13 : The 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 initiative aimed to recognise the contribution of golf caddies, encourage youth participation in sports and promote golf tourism in the region.
The tournament brought together caddies, senior golfers and prominent figures from the hospitality and tourism sectors. Salman Sagar and Ehsan Pardesi were Guests of Honour and extended their support to the participating caddies.
Senior golfers present included Ashraf Bakshi, Javed Bakshi, Sohail Kirmani, Ghulam Rasool Guroo, Usman Fazil, Manzoor Abbas and Sameer Bhat.
Dignitaries from various organisations also attended: 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.
Chaya said the tournament was about more than competitive golf. It was about recognising the role caddies play 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,” he said.
Chaya described golf as a meaningful avenue of employment for Kashmir’s young people.
“At a time when we must work collectively to steer our younger generation away from the menace of drug abuse and unemployment, golf offers an opportunity to learn a skill, earn an honest and dignified livelihood and build a long-term career. A young person starting out as a caddy today can aspire to become a professional golfer, a certified instructor, a course professional or even pursue opportunities in the international golfing industry,” he said.
He also pointed to the largely untapped potential of golf tourism in Kashmir. In his view, the region’s golf courses, natural beauty and hospitality infrastructure could help establish it as a leading golfing destination.
Chaya noted that golf connects people across generations, from children as young as eight to senior citizens well into their eighties. This makes it a unique platform for community engagement, mentorship and healthy living.
The guests and senior golfers praised his efforts and his support for the caddy community. They stressed the importance of creating opportunities for young people, recognising those who work behind the scenes in golf and strengthening Kashmir’s sporting culture.
The event concluded with a call for collective responsibility towards empowering local youth, supporting the caddy fraternity and positioning Kashmir as a premier destination for golf and sports tourism.
The initiative reflects Chaya’s commitment to promoting tourism, youth empowerment and sustainable employment in Jammu and Kashmir.
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