By Nikhil Kalaan, Media Manager, PGTI
‘Aggression’ in sportspersons is taking centre stage again. For those representing the country at the highest level, this ‘state of mind’ has been an integral part of the discourse, strategy and thinking. Besides, it’s also been debated in detail. The topic was back in the news during the Indian cricket team’s recent tour of Sri Lanka.
Aggression in sport, as I see it, could have different interpretations. It can be overt which is characterized by physical gestures and verbal volleys aimed at intimidating opponents. There is also another kind of aggression where a sportsperson pushes his or her limits through sheer mental fortitude, as a result turning the tables on the opponent.
India’s leading golfer Anirban Lahiri is a classic example of someone who has used his mental aggression to make his way to the top echelons of international golf.
Although he plays a sport which has little scope for any overt or on-field display of aggression, Lahiri, the new poster boy of Indian golf, has snatched victory from the jaws of defeat on many an occasion thanks to his aggressive approach and never-say-die attitude.
Anirban, currently the world no. 40, has always had an insatiable appetite for success. But until 2011 the Bangalore lad wasn’t the perfect finisher who closed out matches with clinical precision, a reputation he earned in the subsequent years.
The seeds for Anirban’s changed approach might well have been sown after his first international title triumph at the Panasonic Open India in 2011 where he came from three shots behind on the final day to take the match into a playoff before finally sealing the affair. There was no looking back for Lahiri after he registered two more playoff victories in successive editions of the SAIL-SBI Open in 2012 and 2013.
Seeds for Anirban’s changed approach might well have been sown after his first international title triumph at the Panasonic Open India in 2011
The strong mental aspect of his game came to the fore yet again at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2014 where he sank an audacious 20-feet eagle putt to script a dramatic come-from-behind victory. The same year, Lahiri rallied from four shots behind on the last 11 holes at the Venetian Macau Open to grab another famous win.
The year 2015 has seen the 28-year-old Indian golfing sensation produce his best on the biggest occasions. He trailed by five shots going into the final day of the Malaysian Macau Open but he drained a 50-feet birdie putt on the 17th to take home the trophy. At the Indian Open, he overcame a seven-shot deficit on the final day to force a playoff before posting another well-deserved win.
His big-match temperament and resilience would be an asset for the International Team at next month’s President’s Cup.
In recent times, he has made his appearances at the Majors count. His tied fifth at the PGA Championship 2015 was the best ever finish by an Indian at a Major.
He has now grown in stature in the golfing world thanks to his ability to convert opportunities and produce his best under pressure. His big-match temperament and resilience would be an asset for the International Team at next month’s President’s Cup.
Perhaps, Indian sportspersons cutting across all disciplines, can draw inspiration from Lahiri’s brand of aggression which has helped him achieve one milestone after another for himself and his country.
