LUCKNOW, April 30 -- Veteran Indian golfer Vijay Kumar, one of the most accomplished players on the domestic circuit and among the few Indians to win the Indian Open, died at his Lucknow residence on Tuesday evening. He was 57. Kumar reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest and is survived by his wife and three sons. His old friend and arch rival in golf, Sanjay Kumar said that Vijay went home after coaching golfers last evening and that he learned of Vijay's death immediately after that. "We were always good friends and arch rivals on the greens. Vijay's sudden death is a big setback to everyone, including me," said Kumar. Kumar's name is etched in Indian golf history for his memorable 2002 Indian Open triumph, a victory that remains the defining highlight of his career. He also finished joint runner-up at the 2006 Indian Open, underlining his ability to compete at the highest level for many years. Beyond that landmark win, Kumar was a dominant force on the Indian professional circuit through the 1990s and early 2000s. He was crowned Order of Merit champion four times, in 1995-96, 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000. "He (Vijay) was a great human being. For many, his death is a personal loss and he used to say that he could have played many big events in the world when he was on his peak, but not knowing English was the biggest barrier for him," recalled ace woman golfer Rashmi Dhaon. "He was a friend, a teacher, and a mentor too, who never hesitated in training young golfers," she added. Born in Lucknow's Martinpurwa on December 29, 1968, Kumar turned professional in 1988 and built a reputation as one of the most reliable and successful golfers of his generation. He also represented India at the 1999 Alfred Dunhill Cup at St Andrews, a sign of the respect he commanded in the national setup. He was one of only seven Indians to have won the Indian Open, a rare list that places him among the sport's most important figures in the country. For Indian golf, his passing marks the loss of a true pioneer whose achievements helped define an era. Kumar's career was not only about trophies but also about longevity, discipline and a strong competitive edge. From repeated Order of Merit titles to a signature Indian Open crown, he left behind a legacy that younger Indian golfers will continue to study and admire. His death is a significant loss for the Indian sporting community, especially for golf followers who watched him shape the domestic circuit for more than a decade. In a sport where consistency is rare, Vijay Kumar stood out as a champion who delivered over and over again. "We lost a seasoned golfer and a good friend. Lucknow Golf Club will never forget his contributions in bringing laurels," LGC's joint secretary-cum-treasurer Sudhakar Rastogi said on Wednesday. "As a mark of respect, all activities at the Lucknow Golf Club remained suspended on Wednesday morning," LGC's Captain RS Nand said....