Anirban Lahiri hopes Olympics will spark the popularity of golf in India

Anirban Lahiri shared an insight into some of his most memorable Olympic moments

1542
Anirban Lahiri

July 1, 2016:  As we countdown to the #RoadToRio, we talk to India’s Anirban Lahiri, who is arguably one of Asia’s hottest properties in the world of golf today.

Apart from a tied-second finish he posted at the Hero Indian Open earlier this year, the reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, who plays mostly on the PGA TOUR this season, has also notched his first top-10 in Texas, United States in May.

We caught up with Lahiri recently and he provided us with an insight into some of his most memorable Olympic moments and reveals what it means to represent India in Rio de Janeiro come August.

Who is your favourite Olympian?

It has to be Michael Phelps. I’ve always enjoyed watching him at the Olympics. You just sit back and ask yourself just how many medals he’s going to win each time he takes to the pool, is he going to destroy his own records all over again? It’s phenomenal what he has achieved and all the various performances he has put together for swimming.

It must be one of the biggest highlights in your career, representing India at the Olympics?

Yes. I really want to play the Olympics because it’s a great opportunity for me to do something for my sport. It would be truly special to wear the national jersey, the uniform, going out there and marching together with the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony.

You’ll be carrying the weight of the nation when you step up to the tee in Rio. Just what will a solid performance from you do for golf in India?

It would mean a lot to India to get a medal out of a game like golf as that will probably put the sport in the forefront. To me, the Olympics is a very important event because it will spark the popularity of golf in India and have the government take a stronger initiative to promote the sport.

Apart from yourself, which other athletes do you regard as India’s medal hopefuls?

I think Saina Nehwal (badminton) is one of India’s biggest hopes at the Olympics. We also got a great opportunity in getting a medal in golf, tennis and not forgetting shooting as we’ve got a good track record there. Hopefully we can bring back a whole bunch of medals from Brazil.

If you could compete in a different Olympic sport, what would it be?

I don’t think I could be as disciplined and as good as any other sport apart from golf. I just love golf too much. I don’t think I love any other sport just as much as golf.

Join the Conversation