Aditi Ashok on Youth Olympics

Aditi Ashok along with Feroz Garewal has been selected to represent India at the Youth Olympics in China. Her game has been solid, and her focus single minded. We speak to Aditi about the big opportunities that lie ahead.

[Q] How does it feel – representing India in Youth Olympics? [/Q]

[A]It is a great honor and feels good to be playing the prestigious Youth Olympic Games 2014 for Team India and the Indian Golf Union. It is like Olympics for juniors and that makes it an exclusive opportunity. [/A]

[Q] What kind of a milestone would you consider this? [/Q]

[A] As a junior, it is every youngster’s dream to play such a tournament and I consider myself lucky to be playing The Youth Olympic Games 2014 as it happens once every 4 years.[/A]

[Q] Who would you dedicate this to? [/Q]

[A] I thank the The Indian Golf Union for this prestigious opportunity and dedicate this to my team (my coach Steven Giuliano, my strength and conditioning coach Nicolas Cabaret, my school The Frank Anthony Public School and my parents for unconditionally encouraging my golf aspirations). Being in Bangalore, I get to play golf and practice all through the year at my home club BGC and KGA. [/A]

[Q] How do you see your career pan out in golf? [/Q]

[A] Playing for India is an honor and I have a few important international junior events to look forward to in the coming months. The R&A’s Junior Open, UK in July, the Youth Olympic Games in August and the Duke of York Young Champions Trophy, UK in September. I consider each one of these opportunites as stepping stones in achieving my eventual goal of turning professional, as they help hone my skills in becoming a complete golfer and be the best I can be. [/A]

[Q] Who is your biggest golf inspiration? [/Q]

[A] Nobody in particular, though I admire Rory Mcilroy and Tiger Woods. [/A]

[Q] What is the most exciting thing about China? []/Q

[A] Having played the Asian Youth Games 2013 last year on the same golf course, I am familiar with the course, eager and excited to go back and play at Nanjing Zhongshan International Golf Club, which is the host venue for Youth Olympic Games 2014 also. The courses in China are hilly and not the same as some of the conventional courses in other Asian Countries and I am looking forward to that. [/A]

[Q] What makes a great golfer? [/Q]

[A]Technically, being accuracy off the tee and having a good short game including putting coupled with aggressive nature helps. And qualities like honesty, integrity and being passionate about the sport also help bring out the best in a great golfer. [/A]

[Q] How does such opportunity bring you closer to your golf high points? [/Q]

[A]Getting to compete with the best under-18s in the world especially at Youth Olympic Games is an honor and that makes it extra special tournament to look forward to as a junior. [/A]

[Q] How do you see your career in golf shaping? [/Q]

[A] I am working hard and still have a couple years as a junior. I want to complete my school, play more Amateur tournaments and eventually decide to turn Professional. [/A]

[Q] How would you define golfingindian.com in one line? [/Q]

[A]GolfingIndian.com is actively helping create the buzz and grow the game with all the golf news from especially India and around the world! [/A]