Golfer Ranveer Saini Redefines Autism and Inspires Asia's Families

In a sport typically defined by patience and persistence, Ranveer Saini stands out. The 24-year-old Delhi-based golfer has won numerous gold and silver medals—in Berlin, Macau, and Abu Dhabi—has been recognized by the President of India, and has addressed Fortune 500 companies. 

In doing so, he is quietly leading a revolution in the conversation around neurodiversity. Diagnosed with autism at the age of two, in a culture that neither understood nor accepted what that meant, Ranveer has steadily challenged perceptions—each public triumph a powerful reminder of what the differently abled can achieve when given the chance to shine.

“My autism makes me anxious, but I’ve learned to lead an independent life”

Ranveer spoke to Optism via a Zoom call from his home in Delhi, his mother Bakhtawar Saini by his side. He is candid about his neurodiversity and how it’s something he still manages every day.

“My autism makes me anxious when things don’t go my way,” he said. “I can’t handle loud noise. I have some obsessions which change. I do struggle to cope, but with therapies and guidance I have learned to lead an independent life.”

How Golf Changed the Life of an Autistic Athlete

Golf had a big part in that transformation.

“I picked up a golf club in 2009 when I was nine years old,” he said. “I had no friends, and my parents were keen on getting me into a sport. We chose golf.”

It was a practical choice, at first. Both of Ranveer’s parents are golfers.

“We’d have a tee time planned and would always feel guilty leaving Ranveer out,” said his mother. “We thought we’d introduce golf because it’s a one-on-one sport, and he could engage himself. We had zero expectations.”

Ranveer—a visual learner—took to the game quickly, spending hours practicing and following new techniques formulated by his parents and coach, using worksheets and specially made videos. In many ways, the sport helped him channel his frustrations.

“On the golf course, I stay focused and ignore all the distractions,” he said.

Becoming a Global Sensation: The First Indian Golfer with Autism to Win Gold

His dedication paid off. In 2015, when he was just 14, Ranveer won his first gold medal at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, becoming the first Indian golfer to claim a medal at the Games.

“It felt great, and I was very excited,” he said. “I felt honored and humbled that my hard work had been appreciated, and that my ability—and not my disability—had been acknowledged.”

He was suddenly thrust into the global spotlight, his mother recalls.

“He became an overnight media sensation,” she said. “Everyone suddenly realized that here was this autistic kid who had done wonders for India. After we finished our round of interviews and it had sunk in that he had achieved this big feat, we asked Ranveer what he wanted to do to celebrate. He wanted a KFC burger and to go to Disneyland.”

Ranveer has continued his winning streak since then—most recently taking the gold and the Challengers League Trophy at the Asia Pacific Golf Masters in June this year in Macau.

Overcoming Challenges as an Autistic Golfer in an Elite Sport

That’s not to say there haven’t been challenges along the way. His mother says that before Ranveer took up golf, “it was a struggle to curb his hyperactivity."

“He was a kid with lots of sensory issues, so settling him was a big challenge for us—especially in an elite space like the golfing community.” She recalls times when the family was admonished because of Ranveer’s behavior, like when he got disruptive while someone else was taking their shot.

“It took time to make him understand that good behavior is the key to becoming a good golfer,” said Bakhtawar. “He learned he had to work on himself to manage the autism so he could get ahead. He’s done a pretty good job. There are still days when he gets upset, or when other golfers use abusive language, which he’s not used to. There are times he’s offended people because of his abrupt honesty. It took time for him to learn the etiquette. So you can imagine how happy I am today when I call him at the golf club where he plays and find, to my surprise, that he’s sitting with the other members having a cup of tea or joining them in a round.”
 

“Don’t let this diagnosis define your child’s future”: A Mother’s Advice to Parents

It’s a far cry from the early days of the diagnosis, when Bakhtawar—who has two other children—says the family was ostracized, even by close relatives.

“When he was diagnosed, nobody had a clue what autism was. My husband and I started to probe what it meant, and what challenges would lie ahead. I tell other parents now: don’t let this diagnosis define your child’s future. I educated myself. I got my Master’s degree to understand what autism is, to learn what’s going on in his brain and what neurological changes will happen as he grows into adulthood. People around us only saw it as him being ‘mentally retarded’. They stopped inviting us to parties, thinking Ranveer would misbehave and spoil everything—or spit on their children. The social stigma, the harsh words, were the worst.”

Autism-Friendly Schools in Asia: The Scottish High International School

No school would accept him, so the Sainis had the idea to build their own.

That idea became the Scottish High International School in Gurgaon—a pioneering educational institution founded in 2004 by the Sainis that embraces inclusion as a core philosophy. Designed to support neurodiverse learners alongside neurotypical peers, the school reflects the family’s belief that every child deserves access to opportunity, respect, and tailored support. Today, Scottish High is known not only for academic excellence but also for its efforts in integrating children with special needs into mainstream education.

Looking Ahead: How Ranveer Saini Continues to Inspire Families in Asia

Ranveer says he is excited about what the future holds for him—as a golfer, a speaker, and a role model for what can be achieved, no matter the obstacles.

“My coaches and my support team have been my pillar of strength,” he says. “Without their care, support, love and empathy, I would not have been able to defeat my autism, and to play good golf.”

Inspired by Ranveer’s journey? Find resources, tips, and support for families with autistic children in Hong Kong and Asia at Optism. Together, we can redefine possibilities.