Golden Visa for India’s Kapur
Golfer thanks authorities and promises to be Dubai’s Ambassador
Gulf News caught up with Shiv Kapur who has just been awarded the Dubai Golden Visa.
■ When did you first connect with Dubai?
I first came to Dubai in 2006 and played the Dubai Desert Classic on the European Tour, and since then I have played the tournament many times, it is a great event. I also played in the Asian Tour’s Dubai Open at The Els Club in 2014 and finished tied 11th. For the last 15 years Dubai has been home for my family as well as my base, and I now live in Motor City and am a member of The Els Club, Dubai. One of the highlights of my career to date was winning the 2013 Dubai Festival City Challenge Grand Final at Al Badia Golf Club which boosted my golfing career and especially gave me more playing opportunities around the world, including playing in both The Open and US Open.
■ What does it feel like to be awarded a Dubai Golden Visa?
I am so proud to be honoured with this, especially as I am only the second golfer to receive this award, following my childhood hero and now my great friend and fellow Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh. I would especially like to thank the government of Dubai and all its departments for all their encouragement and support to make this happen; it was administered very quickly. I will do my best to act as an Ambassador for the city, whether I am in Dubai or on my travels.
■ What are your golfing plans and schedule for the rest of 2021 and for 2022?
It has been a challenging 18 months for everyone around the world including professional sport, so I have been lucky to be able to spend time here in Dubai and play and practise my golf in Dubai and the UAE, who have, in my opinion, dealt with Covid-19 as well as any city and country, in any part of the world. I always feel safe and comfortable in Dubai. I have playing privileges on both the European Tour and the Asian Tour and I plan to play the remainder of the year in Europe and then also on the Asian Tour when their calendar is announced.