Bengaluru Golfer Ankush Saha Wins Bronze at Czech Disabled Golf Masters
Ankush Saha, a 31-year-old golfer from Bengaluru with an intellectual disability, won the bronze medal in the Nett Stroke Play category at the Czech Disabled Golf Masters in Prague, Czech Republic, in 2026. Competing at the Golf Resort Black Bridge, the tournament marked Saha's debut on the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA) circuit.
The achievement came as a surprise to the Bengaluru golfer during the medal ceremony. Saha shared that he did not know his name would be announced and was caught off guard when he was awarded third place.
Saha staged a turnaround during the tournament after a challenging opening day. He started the final round in tenth place following a three-over 75. However, he carded a net three-under score in the final round to finish with a level-par total, securing the third-place finish.
The comeback was achieved under unfamiliar conditions. Saha noted that the Golf Resort Black Bridge course was difficult and new to him, with fast greens that required him to carefully control the speed of his putting.
Saha's participation in the international tournament was supported by the Adaptive Golf Alliance Foundation (AGAF), a Bengaluru-based non-profit established to promote golf among persons with disabilities.
Saha has a history of success as a Special Olympics athlete. He won a gold medal in 2014, a silver medal in 2015, and another gold medal in individual skills at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. He also represented India at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.
Saha, who is also an avid runner, credits much of his development to his father, Lt Col Bipra Das Saha (Retd), who helps him resolve problems on the course. Saha explained that golf has made him happier, calmer, and more confident because it allows him to play at his own pace, unlike sports that require constant speed and split-second decisions.
Following his debut in Prague, Saha hopes to compete in more EDGA tournaments to establish a world ranking and improve his international standing. He also expressed hope that more people with disabilities will take up the sport.
