Milton: (20 August 2026) In yet another spectacularly successful outing at the grand Granite Ridge Golf Club in Milton, the 11th CIF Charity Golf tournament, held on August 20, 2026, drew a record number of players from the community. They opened their hearts and wallets to support the event that has undoubtedly become THE golf tournament of the Indo Canadian community from coast to coast. And the man who has helmed this unique charity effort and continues to invest his boundless energy each year, Anil Shah, a founding member of CIF, reacted to the overwhelming support, “On behalf of CIF, thank you, thank you, thank you sponsors, players, volunteers and well-wishers. Over the years this event has become super special because everyone of you believes deeply in the cause, and you believe in giving back to society.”
CIF Charity Golf tournament proceeds are donated to benefit the families of fallen heroes and frontline workers. “We owe a debt of gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and their families. Today golf has brought us together. But golf alone is not the reason why we are here. We are here to honour our fellow Canadians and those in India who put on a uniform each day and go to work knowing tragedy can strike any moment. Once that happens their families are impacted and changed forever. It is our responsibility as a society to stand behind those families who made the sacrifices for us,” noted Shah. “The measure of success is not in what we accumulate, but in what we leave behind,” he added.
Echoing similar sentiments about the charity event in its eleventh year now, CIF Chair, Ritesh Malik, noted, “This is probably the greatest celebration for our community because there is a deep sense of purpose behind this event. CIF as an organization is dedicated to Canada India relationship as well as the people. The participation levels from the community here show that everyone associated with the CIF golf tournament is very special in his or her own way and is totally on board with the CIF mission. Thank you.”
India’s Consul General in Toronto, Mahaveer Singhvi, who played a few holes in the charity golf, applauded the efforts of CIF in creating such philanthropic opportunities for the community as well as the work being carried out in the Canada India relationship. Singhvi noted that he is optimistic about the future of the relationship and urged CIF to continue the bridge-building between India and Canada.
The family welfare arm of the Indian armed forces and the RCASC, a representative body of Canadian Armed Forces welfare program are the two designated beneficiaries of the CIF Charity Golf tournament. This year, Hari Panday, Honorary Col., representing the RCASC and Rear Admiral (retd.) Rajinder Singh of Indian Navy received cheques for $20,000 each. In his reply, Panday encouraged the audience to spread the news about the fast-changing composition of Canadian armed forces, offering professional opportunities for the young willing to serve. Among the representatives of Indian armed forces present on the occasion were, Commander (retd.) Ajay Bhumri, Col. (retd.) S.P. Singh and Commander (retd.) Anil Walia. Bhumri created a brilliant artwork that depicted patriotic feelings and the Canada India bilateral. The painting and the business class tickets, won in a helicopter ball drop raffle, offered by Turkish Airlines, were auctioned and bought by generous patrons.
Coincidentally, the day of the tournament, August 20, was Anil Shah’s birthday. Besides the cake cutting and the fireworks that added colour and taste to the celebrations, Shah also announced a first-time recognition, to be called the CIF Legacy Cup, and awarded it to the late Ajit Someshwar, one of the chief architects of Canada India Foundation. Speaking of his long association with Someshwar, Shah said, “He was never afraid to challenge conventions. He brought energy, passion and class to the organization. He believed in CIF’s ability to make a difference. Ajit, we remember what you stood for, and we are committed to carry on your legacy.”
Congratulations to all the winners.
Winners of Legacy CUP 2026
Cobalt Course
Aman Sodhi, Harry Ngo, Greg Prekupec, Adam Patrick Dolley
Winners
Ruby Course
Garry Saggu, Shivendra Singh, Ron Sidhu, Harjeet Ghatora
All the sponsors to the event were duly recognized and thanked like Presenting Sponsor Vyas Global Education, Clinch Resources, (Platinum Sponsor), Turkish Airlines (Airline Partner), Scotia Wealth Management Cellular point, Kagan Shastri (Golf Balls), Manoj Pundit (Carts), Beverage Cart (Mercedez), Hole In one (InsureU), Tamarind (Oncourse Food), Warraich (Dinner), Money Mint (Helicopter Ball Drop), Sunray Group & Rutherford Jewelers (Silver), Brass Knuckle, MNP, Ray Khanna, Laurentian Bank, Controlled Demolition, Gelda, Everest, Rubicon, Indri, Ray Khanna, and NB Distillers.
To view more captivating moments from the CIF Golf Tournament 2026, for reception please click here & for tournament photos click here.
