A powerful sporting legacy continues to soar as young Harjai Milkha Singh, the teenage son of golf legend Jeev Milkha Singh, secured the prestigious IGU Juniors Order of Merit title for the year 2025. The victory prompted a poignant family moment where Jeev placed his own winning trophy from the IGPL Invitational Colombo alongside his son's new accolade, in front of portraits of his legendary parents, Milkha Singh and Nirmal Milkha Singh.
The Milkha Mantra: Discipline, Dedication, and Dreams
In this heartfelt scene, Jeev imparted the timeless wisdom passed down from his father, the iconic 'Flying Sikh'. "Discipline, hard work and dedication. And rest will follow," Jeev Milkha Singh recounted to The Indian Express, echoing the mantra that shaped his own career. He emphasized this philosophy in guiding his son, advising him to look beyond national success. "Harjai has become India’s number one junior golfer. I have told him not to contend with it. The goal should be world number one," stated Jeev, a Padma Shri awardee and 20-time international winner.
He stressed the importance of process over premature ambition. "It’s good to set goals but results will come if one follows the routine. Don’t get ahead of yourself in terms of goals but have confidence in your abilities and train for it with excellence," he added, outlining the blueprint for sustained success.
Harjai's Meteoric Rise: From Junior Challenge to Order of Merit
Harjai's journey mirrors the family's dedication. Starting golf at six in 2016 alongside cricket and football, his talent was evident early. By seven, he had won the Milkha Junior Challenge sub-junior title and placed third at the US Kids Golf World Championships in Malaysia, with his father serving as his caddie. His ascent continued with a U-13 title at the US Kids Golf European Championship in 2023 and a notable amateur performance at the Jersey Legends Cup, where he finished fourth among amateurs competing alongside professionals, including his father.
The 15-year-old student from Strawberry Fields High School, Chandigarh, dominated the 2025 IGU junior circuit with four title wins. His victorious campaign included triumphs at the IGU Southern India Juniors in Coimbatore, the IGU Northern India Amateur in Panchkula, the IGU Gujarat Juniors in Ahmedabad, and the RCGC Junior title in Kolkata. Accumulating 468 points from 12 tournaments, with the best eight counting for 357 points, he sealed the Order of Merit convincingly.
Reflecting on his win, Harjai shared, "Winning the IGU Order of Merit is a special feeling." He cherished his first title in Coimbatore and the challenge of the Kalhar Greens course in Ahmedabad. "I would often watch my father’s trophies won as a junior in the cabinet at home and to see my Order of Merit trophy being placed among his trophies as well as my grandfather’s medals is an emotional feeling," he expressed.
Global Ambitions and Carrying the Legacy Forward
Harjai's ambitions are firmly set on the global stage. With experience in tournaments in Thailand and the American Junior Golf Association, he plans to compete in The Royal Junior in Japan and the R&A Boys Juniors in the UK in 2026, with an eye on the USGA circuit in the USA. He credits his father's international experience—collegiate golf in the USA and tours in Japan and Europe—for teaching him to adapt his game to all conditions.
When asked about the pressure of the Milkha name, the teenager displays remarkable maturity. "I don’t see it as a pressure. I see it as a legacy as well as something which pushes me to give my best," Harjai stated. He fondly remembers his grandparents' stories and their struggles. His ultimate dream is to emulate his grandfather in one specific arena: "I hope to play for India in the Olympics too one day like my grandfather and win a medal for India."
Through discipline, dedication, and a deep respect for their roots, the Milkha Singh dynasty continues to inspire, proving that the most powerful legacies are built not just on victories, but on the values passed from one generation to the next.
