Indian contingent at AAC to benefit from Gulati’s experience at Majilis course in Dubai

The 16th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) tees off on Thursday at the Majlis Course in Dubai, with a five-member Indian contingent eager to make an impact on the region’s biggest amateur stage.

Leading the charge is Rakshit Dahiya, the only Indian with prior AAC experience. Competing in his second appearance, the 18-year-old is embracing the role of a seasoned campaigner while guiding his debutant teammates — Anshul Mishra, Raghav Gulati, Ranveer Mitroo, and Harman Sachdeva.

Gulati, who resides in Dubai and plays regularly at the Emirates Golf Club, will have the advantage of local knowledge. His insights have already benefited teammates like Dahiya, who credited Gulati’s course tips — especially on tricky tee shots — for boosting confidence during practice rounds.

Among the newcomers, Ranveer Mitroo stands out for his familiarity with the layout, having played the Majlis Course multiple times this year. Acknowledging that his distance off the tee may not match longer hitters, the 17-year-old plans to rely on his precision and short-game finesse. “My long irons and hybrids will be key this week. If I can stay on the fairways, the par fives give me a good chance to pick up strokes,” he said.

Three Indians — Dahiya, Gulati, and Mishra — will begin on the front nine, while Mitroo and Sachdeva start from the back. Mishra will lead the Indian challenge off the first tee at 6:45 a.m., marking the start of a week of opportunity and promise for Indian amateur golf.

Photo & Story – Anand Krishnaswamy from Dubai