Remembering Rohan Malhotra: A legacy of passion, golf, and friendship
As the Ultimate Golf Challenge reaches its grand finale in Dubai on Thursday, emotions run high for one team in particular - The Sultans of Swing.
Former by Sanjay Pahwa and Amol Awasthi, with Vijay Devnani as their mentor, the Sultans are not just playing for victory this year—they are playing for Rohan Malhotra on a very poignant day.
February 13 would have been Rohan's birthday, a day that now carries both joy and sorrow for those who knew and loved him. His sudden passing on October 1, 2024, left a huge void in the sporting community, but his spirit burns fiercely among the players in the team. Rohan is remembered not just as a golfer but as a man who embodied the essence of sportsmanship and some who had an insatiable zest for life.
A True Sportsman, A True Friend
Rohan was a gifted athlete whose love for competition extended beyond the golf course. Whether swinging a golf club or wielding a cricket bat, he brought passion, skill, and an infectious enthusiasm that made him a standout both on and off the field.
His unwavering commitment to fair play made him a role model for many. More than that, he was a mentor, a leader, and a friend who made everyone around him feel special.
Rohand's teammates remember his larger-than-life presence, his signature smile, and his ability to make even the most intense competition feel like a game among friends. His love for the game was undeniable, perfectly captured by one of his favorite quotes: 'We are not here for a long time, we're here for a good time!!!'
A Team Playing for Rohan
This year, the Sultans of Swing have a greater purpose. As they step onto the course, they do so with the determination to honor their friend. They are playing for Rohan, on his birthday, in a tournament that meant so much to him. His memory fuels their drive and his laughter echoes in their hearts.
Before the Second Round of the UGC at the Faldo Course on February 7, players, officials, and attendees observed a moment of silence—a tribute to a golfer whose presence is still deeply felt. But Rohan wouldn't have wanted solemn faces. He would have wanted smilesand celebratory fist pumps. And that's exactly how the Sultans intend to honor him.
To ensure Rohan's passion for sports and his unwavering sportsmanship continue to inspire future generations, plans are underway to introduce The Rohan Malhotra Sportsmanship Award in the next UGC season in 2026. This award will be presented to an athlete who exemplifies his values—fair play, perseverance, and respect for the game.
The Impact of Rohan
The impact Rohan had on those around him is best described by the people who shared the greens, the fairways, and the unforgettable moments with him:
"Rohan had swashbuckling style, long booming drives with graceful long back swings and a deft touch around the greens. He was the true epitome of how golf should be played, with a smile on your face and a gentlemanly handshake at the end!" – Shiv Kapoor, pro golfer
"Rohan's strength as a golfer was his skill and ability to hit almost every kind of shot. He was dependable under pressure. The last game we played together, as my partner, he holed an 8-foot putt to help us tie our cart game against Thomas Detry. And almost suffocated me during the celebration!" – Sujjan Singh, pro at Els Dubai
"Rohan's talent on the golf course always amazed me. The way he could move the ball when he wanted to hit a certain shot shape was a treat to watch. He inspires me to live life with the same infectious energy that he possessed, smiling his way through life and making friends like family all over the world." – Vishal Uppal, former India Davis Cup player
"Rohan inspired us all to strive for excellence in business while enjoying the finer things in life—never forgetting to have fun along the way. He never missed a beat—forever in the meeting with you, Rohan." – Sunny Madra, President of Groq and startup entrepreneur from the Bay Area
"Rohan played an incredibly powerful long game, had a brilliant record (I saw it each time we played) in getting out of the occasional trouble he was in, and a sublime short game." – Suneel Bakshi, President of Mizuho Bank, London
On his birthday, his teammates hope to honor him the best way they know how—by giving it their all and by playing the game he loved to kee legacy alive.
Rohan, this one's for you.
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