‘When You Perform Well for the Country, People Support You,’ Says Anurag Thakur

New Delhi, October 4 (HS): Indian golfer Pranavi Urs, who created history by winning the gold medal in the women’s individual golf event at the Asian Games, will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 crore from AM Green IGPL (Indian Golf Premier League). Pranavi became the first Indian woman to win an individual golf gold medal at the Asian Games. In addition, members of the Indian women’s golf team — Pranavi Urs, Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar — who won the silver medal in the women’s team event, will each receive Rs 25 lakh.

Former Union Minister and Member of Parliament Anurag Thakur formally announced the reward on behalf of AM Green IGPL, its franchisees and partner organisations at an event held at the Qutub Golf Course in New Delhi.

Anurag Thakur said India had waited 24 years for a gold medal in golf at the Asian Games, and Pranavi had delivered the coveted medal. He said the manner in which she secured the victory spoke volumes about her character. Although her lead was reduced at one point during the final round, she fought back strongly and went on to win.

He said Aditi, Diksha and Pranavi had also made the day special for Indian women’s golf by winning the silver medal in the team event. “I am delighted that AM Green IGPL immediately came forward to reward them. Every young player who follows golf should know that when you perform well for the country, people support you,” he said.

Thakur also spoke about the development of golf in India. He said it was necessary to bridge the gap that players often encounter after completing school in order to produce more golfers like Pranavi. Once players move on to college, university or professional courses, many of them begin focusing on building their careers.

Thakur said AM Green IGPL is among the leagues providing players with such a platform, but the number of similar platforms in the country remains limited. “We need greater investment and more concerted efforts to strengthen the entire ecosystem of Indian golf,” he said.

Pranavi’s sister, Vidharthi Urs, who was present at the AM Green IGPL Pro-Am Day event, also spoke about her playing style. She said, “From the very first day, I have felt that she is an aggressive player. She wants to hit the ball hard.”

Before Pranavi’s achievement, India had won an individual golf gold medal at the Asian Games through Shiv Kapur in 2002. Pranavi has now created history by winning the gold in the women’s category.

Pranavi also represented India alongside Olympian Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar in the women’s team event. The Indian team won the silver medal with a combined score of 14 under par, while China finished at the top.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar