'Fortunate' Lahiri hungry for Olympic medal

MUMBAI: The last time golf was part of the Olympics, a total of 77 individuals had participated in the men's category from just two countries USA (74) and Canada (3). Who would have thought that after the 1904 St Louis Games, the sport would be discontinued and golfers would have to wait for a further 112 years to feature in the world's biggest sporting extravaganza.
With less than 50 days left for the Olympics, India's highest-ranked golfer, Anirban Lahiri, who is currently playing in his eighth successive Major, is thrilled that he will be representing the country in Rio come August 11.Lahiri has virtually sealed a ticket to Brazil along with three-time European Tour champion SSP Chawrasia.
The Bengalurean got this opportunity ahead of illustrious predecessors like Jeev Milkha Singh (former Asia No. 1), Jyoti Randhawa (three-time Indian Open winner) and Arjun Atwal (the only Indian to win on the USP GA Tour - 2010 Wyndham Championship) by virtue of his world ranking.
"We are very fortunate to have got this opportunity with the cycle of events falling in our favour. I never imagined to be an Olympian as an amateur as the target was always to get to a stage that I could compete and do well in the Majors. There are so many guys who would have loved to be in our shoes, but we are very lucky to get this golden chance," Lahiri told TOI from Pennsylvania, where he is competing in the US Open at Oakmont Country Club.
However, the 28-year-old is not someone who will be satisfied with a mere appearance in the Games. "I very well understand that this is a once-in-a-lifetime stuff. So merely being an Olympian is not going to make me happy. I have already represented India in the Asian Games. I will try and win a medal. My core strength is 48 DA TO mental tenacity -to keep calm and not think too far ahead of myself -and that's where I score over others," the World No. 56 stressed.
Playing full time on the PGA Tour has expanded Lahiri's golfing knowledge, but a good finish in the Majors will boost his confidence. He registered India's best finish in a Major when he ended tied fifth at the PGA Championship last year. "Playing on the PGA Tour makes you very competitive. It's the best field in the world. From now on every result is going to count. Playing in World Golf Championships (WGC) or Majors strengthens your understanding and that's what I intend to do. Pick up as much confidence leading up to Rio and harness as much positivity from my performances in those events," the Arjuna Awardee elaborated.
He recently registered his best finish (tied sixth) on the PGA Tour at the Dean & Deluca Invitational.
Lahiri felt that his friendship with Chawrasia will help both to push each other during the Olympics. "We are very much in touch. He is a great golfer and has a brilliant short game. We have to perform for the nation and I will be cheering harder for my partner more than anyone even though we will be playing in the strokeplay format," the 2015 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion said.