He used to stop off in India while travelling worldwide to play and soon realised the potential for golf and that the best way to promote it would be an international tournament.

[citation needed] Thompson continued to play in the event and won again in 1966 and 1976.

The second event in 1965 was won by Indian amateur Prem Gopal (Billoo) Sethi, who beat Guy Wolstenholme by seven strokes.

[4][5] As a result of joining the tour, the field increased in strength with notable winners including three-time major champion Payne Stewart.

There have been a number of sponsors over the years, with Hero Honda Motors Ltd taking over sponsorship in 2005.