Team Japan Makes Historic Debut in Karma Lakelands Golf League 2025

Gurugram, India — In a landmark moment for Indo-Japanese sporting camaraderie, Team Japan has officially joined the inaugural Karma Lakelands Golf League (KLGL) — marking the first-ever participation of a Japan-based team in an Indian golf league. The Team Japan, proudly sponsored by A San Hospitality Support Company Pvt. Ltd., is owned by Yashendra Raj Gaur, Director of A San Hospitality, and mentored by none other than Kenji Sugino, Secretary General of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India (JCCII).

Comprising ten players — Naruhiro Amada, Takashi Aoki, Yamamoto Ko, Shinya San, Junichi Nakamura, Kenny Yoshikawa, Kenji Sugino, Katsushi Fujitani, Tomohiko Tashiro, and Rajat Thukral (Managing Director of A San Hospitality and the sole Indian national on the team) — Team Japan embodies the spirit of cross-cultural friendship and sportsmanship.

“It’s not just about golf; it’s about building bridges between India and Japan through sport and fellowship,” said Yashendra Raj Gaur, adding that Team Japan’s entry symbolizes the growing synergy between Japanese and Indian communities beyond business and culture.

According to Rajat Thukral (Managing Director of A San Hospitality, after the hard work of over two months under the mentorship of Kenji Sugino san of JCCII, the dream of creating a Japan Team was realised, and the best talent of the Japanese golfers was selected carefully to create the Japan Team

Hosted at Karma Lakelands, one of India’s leading eco-resorts, the KLGL has quickly established itself as a premium, team-based amateur golf tournament. The league, which teed off on October 25, 2025, features ten teams competing across eight rounds over three months, culminating in a Grand Final and Gala Dinner on December 13.

The KLGL format combines competitive play with camaraderie and hospitality, featuring afternoon tee-offs under the Stableford scoring system, leading to an 18-hole Match Play elimination among the top four teams.

Each team comprises ten players and one owner, either playing or non-playing, creating a uniquely inclusive and community-driven environment. Beyond the greens, participants enjoy curated experiences including cocktail evenings, themed dinners, and live entertainment, blending sport with lifestyle in true Karma Lakelands fashion.

The debut edition of KLGL is supported by Sony, Audi, Philips, and Ilios 72, whose partnerships add glamour and prestige to the event. Their involvement underscores the league’s commitment to providing a world-class golfing experience both on and off the fairway.

“Karma Lakelands has always stood for innovation, sustainability, and holistic living,” said a spokesperson for the resort. “With the Golf League, we aim to redefine the intersection of sport, hospitality, and community engagement.”

The participation of Team Japan in KLGL 2025 not only enhances the global character of the tournament but also highlights Japan’s growing interest in India’s sports and leisure ecosystem. As golf gains traction among professionals and expatriates alike, such initiatives pave the way for greater international collaboration and friendship.

With its blend of competition, luxury, and multicultural exchange, the Karma Lakelands Golf League stands as a shining example of how sport can unite communities — and Team Japan’s debut ensures this year’s league will be one for the history books.