MUMBAI: BBC World, the BBC's international 24-hour news and information channel, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, is all set to host the "Spirit of Golf 2008" tournament on 19 January in New Delhi.

Participants will include corporate and political leaders competing for prizes and the honour of winning the tournament.

BBC Worldwide advertising sales director Jonathan Howlett says, "BBC World is to host the event for the third consecutive year. Surveys show us that BBC World viewers are even more interested in golf than viewers to sports channels."

Ministry of Tourism joint secretary Leena Nandan said, "Golf infrastructure and facilities in India are among the finest in the world, and we hope that initiatives like this will help us make golf tourism an attractive option for people across the globe."

Sri Lankan Airlines, ITC Welcome Group, Samsung Mobile, Visit Britain, The Mayfair, Celtic Manor Ryder Cup and ACP Rail will sponsor the event while Tiger Sports Marketing will manage the event.