November 7, 2013. “Recognition is a driving factor,” was the unanimous voice of top golfers, who gathered at the India Golf Awards, first initiative to reward golfing talent in the country held at The Oberoi, Gurgaon on Tuesday.
Best golfing talents of the country squeezed time out of their schedule to be a part of this pioneering program, the Take Solutions India Golf Awards.
“ I have been to this kind of recognition ceremonies in the United States and Europe but this is the first of its kind event in India. I truly appreciate this effort and feel this will also help in encouraging young golfing talents in the country,” said Arjun Atwal.
India’s ace golfers, Anirban Lahiri and Shiv Kapur too felt that the awards have begun at a time when golf scene in the country is booming with promising youngsters.
Jyoti Randhawa, who is all set to prove fourth time lucky at the Indian Open, sees a sea of change in the golf scenario from the time he started playing golf. He felt that awards have come at the right time for the golfers when more and more people are getting involved into the game.
“Indians can be right at the top of the world. Rewards like this will only further their interest in the game and zeal to do more for the country,” Said Randhawa.
The recent BILT Open champion and promising youngster, Rashid Khan was overwhelmed to describe his feeling on being awarded the ‘best upcoming professional golfer’.
“This will only encourage me to give my best for my country,” the 22-year-old Rashid said.
The golfing community present at the function expressed that India Golf awards are just a beginning into an era when sports, other than cricket, are taking centre stage. This will inspire more and more youngsters to take up golf as a professional option.
Rajlakshmi Retesh
