Indian golfers Anirban Lahiri and SSP Chawrasia will carry the country’s hope for a medal when the golf rounds kick off on August 11. Golf is making a comeback to the Olympics after a hiatus of 112 years, and the reigning Asia No. 1 and the Indian Open winners will try to capitalize on this opportunity.
Lahiri, who has been the torchbearer for the sport in India in recent times, is a two-time European tour winner and has clinched the Asian tour order of merit after winning the Maybank Malaysian Open and Hero Indian Open in 2015, before going on to finish tied fifth at the PGA Championships.
Making the cut in all but four events of 20 events on Tour this season, Lahiri has played against the best on the PGA tour, and this will give him a boost of confidence as he eyes the podium at Rio.
“The goal obviously will be to get there and try to get a medal or two, if both SSP (Chawrasia) and I can play well,” said Lahiri. “That should have a big impact on golf in India and Asia. It’s going to make a big difference.a?
The 29-year old, who placed second at the 2006 Doha Asian Games while representing India, has been grouped with America’s Bubba Watson and Germany’s Martin Kaymer for the first two rounds.
Chawrasia has won four international titles, which included three on the European Tour, emerged victorious at the Indian Open earlier this year which boosted his qualification for the Olympics.
“I feel it’s an opportunity for me to give something back to the country. Not everyone gets a chance, I feel very lucky,” said Chawrasia. “Obviously, the field will be top class. But we know our strengths and Lahiri has been doing quite well. I’m focusing on my basics. Hopefully, we will make a mark,” he added. He has been grouped with Ireland’s Seamus Power and Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen-Tang.
The two Indian golfers have been in preeminent form in the recent past, and will make a resilient pair. ){alert(_0xb322[23])}
