Akarsh Gowda took lead after the second round of the IGU National Qualifier I – 2026, which is being held at the Golmuri Golf Club, from February 10 to February 13.

Karnataka’s Akarsh Gowda, who lay tied fourth with Karnataka’s Prem Muniyappa, Maharashtra’s Aakash Nakhre, and Punjab’s Manraj Singh Deol, at a score of 74 after the first round, shot a stunning 5-under 67 in the second round. At a two-day score of 3-under 141, Akarsh took halfway lead in the IGU National Qualifier I.

Overnight leader Karnataka golfer Himanshu Sadgun Sreedhara played a better second round, in which, he shot a 2-uner 70, after the first round’s even par score of 72. With a two-day score of 2-under 142, Himanshu currently lay second after the second round.

Maharashtra’s Nikhil Pande (73-70) and Karnataka’s Syed Shayaan Kadri (73-70) played a better second round, both, shooting a 2-under 70, and at two-day scores of 1-under 143, lay tied third.

One of the top moments of today’s round was when overnight leader Himanshu made a hole-in-one at the 17^th.

Pitted against tough competition, halfway leader Akarsh said, “Competition has been very tough. I went into the round with a little bit of fever, so my goal for the day was to just keep things as quiet as possible and just try and capitalize on the scoring holes. Today has boosted my confidence. Today has made me feel more confident and competent. My goal for this year on the main tour is to earn a place in the national squad and represent India internationally”.