A new chapter is being written in one of India's most celebrated sporting dynasties. Fifteen-year-old Harjai Milkha Singh, the grandson of the legendary 'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh and son of iconic golfer Jeev Milkha Singh, is now forging his own path on the fairways, already becoming India's number one in the under-18 golf category.
Growing Up With a Legendary Name
For Harjai, growing up in the Milkha Singh household meant discipline, routine, and a fundamental belief that following the right process leads to success. He first picked up a golf club at the tender age of three, treating it as fun. It was at 12 that his perspective shifted, and he began to pursue the sport with serious intent. While he dabbled in basketball and other sports, the inspiration drawn from his father, Jeev, steered him decisively towards golf.
"The name and legacy don't pressurise me; I like the responsibility it carries," Harjai states, reflecting a maturity beyond his years. He says the true weight and magnitude of his family's achievements dawned on him when he was 13, a realization that he channels purely as motivation.
Discipline, Titles, and International Dreams
Harjai's dedication is already yielding impressive results. In a stellar year, he has clinched four titles and finished with a best-8 score of 357, securing his position as the country's top junior golfer—a goal he had set for 2025. The roadmap ahead is clear and ambitious: gaining more international exposure.
His upcoming season will begin at the Samarvir Sahi Golf Championship in his home city of Chandigarh. This will be followed by prestigious international events like the R&A Junior Boys championship in the United Kingdom and various US Junior Boys tournaments. His ultimate dream, echoing the Olympic spirit of his grandfather, is to win a medal for India at the Olympics one day.
A Father's Pride and a Son's Inspiration
For Jeev Milkha Singh, one of India's greatest golfers who once reached a career-high World No. 28, the emotion watching his son excel is a powerful mix of pride and healthy competitiveness. "As a father it makes me very happy to see my son excel. His discipline and hard work got him here," Jeev remarks.
The bond extends beyond mentorship. Jeev has actively helped refine Harjai's swing and even caddied for him in a tournament. His constant advice is to focus on the shot and the process, not the outcome—a philosophy Harjai has internalized. "Before I play a shot, I know what shape and height I want," the young golfer explains.
The competitive spirit between them came to the fore recently at an IGPL event in Sri Lanka, where they played alongside each other. Jeev emerged victorious, but not without some friendly banter. "I joked with him saying, 'baap baap hi rahega,' and he said, 'no, I'm getting you this time,'" Jeev recalls with a laugh. The win was emotionally significant for Jeev, as Sri Lanka is where his parents first met. He placed the trophy beside their photograph as a tribute.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Harjai, mentored by coach Jesse Grewal and inspired by world number one Scottie Scheffler, splits his training time between Chandigarh and Dubai. Watching his father win in front of him and now competing shoulder-to-shoulder has been integral to his growth.
While Jeev continues to compete vigorously on tours like the British Open, European Legends Tour, and Asian Tour, he finds fresh inspiration from the younger generation, including his son. "I learn a lot from youngsters. They inspire me and push me to my limits," he admits.
The Milkha Singh name, once synonymous with blistering speed on the athletics track, now walks the golf course with calm focus. Harjai's journey, built on old, tested family values, is just beginning. He carries not just a famous surname, but the hopes of a nation and the quiet confidence of a champion in the making.
