Chawrasia eyes good outing

Kolkata golfer set to join Lahiri at the Olympic Games

 When 2016 began, it seemed like just Anirban Lahiri would be the lone Indian golfer in fray at the biggest sporting event of the Summer — the Rio Olympics. However, as things stand now, it appears like the Bengalurean would have the company of SSP Chawrasia.

Playing with extra fire and determination, the 38-year-old Chawrasia produced an inspiring display of golf to emerge champion in the Indian Open — an European Tour co-sanctioned event — to give wings to his Olympic dreams. That win and some solid performances thereafter has placed him 43rd in the Olympic rankings and with the top-60 assured of their Rio berth, the Kolkatan is on course to being part of history.

“I’m very excited to represent the country at the Olympics,” said Chawrasia on the sidelines of the Louis Philippe Cup.

“I have the opportunity to do something special for the country. So I’m practising very hard. The goal, like any other golfer, would be to win the gold medal.”  Caddie turned pro Chawrasia, who scripted a sensational rags to riches story when he won the Indian Masters way back in 2008, has been hampered by a neck injury over the last few weeks.

“After the Indian Open victory in March I got injured. The neck was hurting. Last week too I’ve been playing with cortisone injections. But I’m feeling better. I’m totally geared up for Rio. I’m taking off for the next couple of weeks but after that I would be playing non-stop golf.”