Chikka and Khalin, along with Abhijit Chadha and Angad Cheema, had helped India win the bronze, behind Australia and New Zealand, last Friday.
Talking to newsmen at the announcement of the Toyota Karnataka Golf Festival, Chikka and Khalin credited their performances to the year-long camp prior to the tournament which helped them fine-tune their preparations.
Khalin said fitness was an area where the Indian team had made a significant improvement and this showed up in their feat at the Denarau golf course in Fiji.
“The year-long camp we had helped us a lot especially in terms of fitness. Lack of fitness affected previous Indian teeams but our performance was largely because of better fitness,’’ he added.
Khalin, who will be playing in the Global Green championship at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) from September 14-17, felt it would be a learning experience. “Being a pro tournament, there is so much I can learn from just watching experienced golfers in action.’
Chikka, who will be playing his last Junior tournament at the Duke of York Open at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, said he was not looking too far ahead but just wanted to enjoy the game. “ I plan on a yearly basis and prepare accordingly. Right now, I am concentrating on my next tournament and nothing else.”
The 18-year-old from Eagleton Golf Club was excited about his chances at the tournament and said he was looking to end his Junior career on a high. The Toyota Karnataka Golf Festival, into its third edition, will have 480 golfers from across India battling it out from September 1-4 at the KGA. Apart from Khalin and Chikka, the tournament will feature the rising Aditi Ashok and the talented Sharmila Nicollet.
