“I assumed I might by no means play golf once more”, mentioned arguably one of the best ever Indian Golfer, Jeev Milkha Singh, to NDTV in an unique chat from Narita, Japan. He mentioned that he did not assume he would play the game once more after dropping each his mother and father — Milkha Singh and Nirmal Saini — in a brief span attributable to COVID-19 final yr. Jeev additionally believes that that is India’s golden time in Golf and the present lot can do wonders for India.
Query: You could have grow to be the primary Indian participant to qualify for the seniors Majors…What does it imply for Indian Golf?
Jeev Milkha Singh: I feel, golf is the one recreation which supplies you a second probability on the age of fifty. If you happen to play common golf for an extended interval and win some good tournaments, then you will get an opportunity to play on the senior Main event. I really feel, I’m fortunate who has obtained this opportunity to play once more. I might attempt my greatest to win some titles once more for my nation and for my mother and father.
Query: With Aditi Ashok, Aniraban Lahiri and gamers such as you, golf appears to be hitting headlines within the current years extra usually than ever earlier than? Do you assume that is one of the best period for Indian golf?
Jeev Milkha Singh: After all, you’re right. I might say that that is the golden time for Indian golf. Our youth has immense potential and expertise. Specifically gamers like Aditi Ashok and Anirban Lahiri can win title at any stage.
Query: To this point, India have received solely 3 Gold and three Silver in golf prior to now Asian Video games? What do you anticipate from Indian folfers within the coming Asiad (Hangzhou, China 10 Sept- 25 Sept, 2022)?
Jeev Milkha Singh: This time there’s a change within the Asian video games’ guidelines. This time round two professionals and two newbie gamers have been allowed to play within the group. On this state of affairs, India stands an excellent probability to carry out on the high stage. Asian golfers are superb. So, there could be robust competitors. However I feel that India can win Gold within the Asian video games by means of golf this time.
Query: Aditi and gamers like Anirban brazenly say that they’ve carried out regardless of the system? Do you assume that there’s a form of communication hole between Golf and the so-called system of sports activities or the sports activities ministry?
Jeev Milkha Singh: It is true. There’s definitely a form of communication hole. I feel, India has big potential on this recreation. The federal government ought to make extra driving ranges and a few golf programs in order that the frequent individuals can play this recreation. With over 1 billion inhabitants on this nation who is aware of what number of champions we are able to produce.
Query: You’re making a comeback after your mother and father’ dying? Had Milkha Singh sir been alive he would have felt proud for you.
Jeev Milkha Singh: Sure, after the dying of each my mother and father inside a niche of 5 days, attributable to Covid, I assumed I might by no means play this recreation ever once more. However after six months’ time and this chance to play on the senior Main I assumed I mustn’t play it for myself. I’ve determined to play for my mother and father and for my nation. I need to make my nation and my mother and father really feel proud once more.
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