The Indian arm of Swedish auto maker, Volvo Car Corporation, has introduced its world-renowned sports following ‘Volvo World Golf Challenge’ (VWGC) to Coimbatore, India. Kicked off on June 2, 2012, the event has a special trophy for the winner of the event, 'The Blu Lotus'. Victor in each event is felicitated with this hand-made art work, which is designed by Atul Bakshi, the well-known blown glass artist.
First tournament of the series was organised in Chandigarh in June, won by H S Kang (38 points) from Handicap Category 0-12. The victory position in Handicap Category 13-24 was titled to Col. J S Kang (36 points). Ragavendar Naidu, with 37 points, came up as a winner in Coimbatore's Handicap Category 0-12, whereas T S Krishnakumar (33 points) was announced as the victor in Handicap Category 13-24. On the 16th hole, G M Rajamani made a hole-in-one, which was a par-3 with a yardage of 191 yards. Following this, the company is planning to design a special trophy for Rajamani and he will be also provided with special goodies on the purchase of any product from Volvo Auto India.
Mentioning the success of tournament, the Marketing and PR Director of Volvo Auto India, Sudeep Narayan, quoted, “We are delighted to bring the Volvo World Golf Challenge to South India. After a great response in Chandigarh, we are humbled to witness the outstanding congregation of avid golfers who came forward and played here today at Coimbatore. The competition was close and it was a pleasure to see the golfers sweat it out to win the specially-designed work of art trophy, “The Blu Lotus” created exclusively for the VWGC India by renowned blown glass artist Atul Bakshi. It captures the Scandinavian flavour that is synonymous with Volvo Cars global ethos ‘Designed Around You’, which customizes products around an individual’s preferences.”
He further added, “However what will be more exciting is to see the final 14 golfers from 7 cities to compete for the exclusive Blu Jacket. The ‘Blu Jacket’ is a hallmark of art and luxury, craftily interweaving Volvo Cars’ Scandinavian sophistication and design diva Ritu Beri’s uber-chic craftwork. It is inspired by Volvo Car’s brand philosophy – Designed Around You. The fabric is soft like the leather of the Volvo car, comfortable as the seats; it is chic like the Volvo Car design. It is intrinsically simple without any unnecessary fussy details. The colour Blue is from the Volvo logo and it is also a cool colour - the colour of the sky, ocean, twilight. It is the colour of high ideals, the colour that aptly reflects the royal style of Volvo.”
Post Coimbatore and Chandigarh, VWGC will be then routed to New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi and Pune. The organisers will short-list two winners from each state, who will then square off against each other at the India Finals. Earlier this year, the auto maker formed a venture with PGTI to debut its sports event in the country.
Expressing his views on the hand-crafted piece of art, Narayan, said, “The exclusivity and uniqueness of this trophy wonderfully blends with Volvo Auto India’s philosophy “Designed Around You”, which in individualistic and keeps the owner at the core of the creation. Atul has made an earnest attempt and has successfully translated Volvo Auto India’s passion for Golf into a visual and tangible memoir.”
