In a historic moment for Indian golf, Aditi Ashok emerged as the star of India’s campaign at the 19th Asian Games, held in Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China. Aditi Ashok’s stellar performance in the women’s individual golf event secured her a silver medal, making her the first Indian woman to ever clinch a golf medal at the prestigious Asian Games.

The Indian golf team, consisting of seven talented golfers, including four men and three women, showcased their skills at the picturesque West Lake International Golf Course during the Asian Games 2023. The competition spanned four thrilling days, from September 28 to October 1, as golfers battled for four coveted gold medals in both individual and team events.

Aditi Ashok’s inclusion in the Indian golf squad was a testament to her remarkable ranking in the sport. The 25-year-old golfer had previously come tantalizingly close to an Olympic medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, finishing in fourth place. Her impressive track record also includes four victories in the Ladies European Tour (LET) and active participation in the LPGA.

Joining Aditi Ashok in the women’s team were two young and promising talents: 16-year-old Avani Prashanth and 20-year-old Pranavi Urs. Both athletes secured their spots through their outstanding performance in the Indian Golf Union’s Asian Games 2023 selection trials. Meanwhile, in the men’s category, experienced golfers Shubhankar Sharma and Anirban Lahiri, who had previously contributed to India’s silver medal win at the Doha 2006 Asian Games, earned direct entries based on their rankings. Khalin Joshi and SSP Chawrasia, the top two performers in the selection trials, completed the Indian men’s golf team.

Notably, Hangzhou marked the Asian Games debut of veteran golfer SSP Chawrasia and Khalin Joshi, who had recently claimed victory at the PGTI Players Championship in 2022. In a display of fierce competition, Anirban Lahiri secured a commendable T12 position, Shubhankar Sharma finished 32nd, SSP Chawrasia stood at 29th place, and Khalin Joshi shared T27. Avani Prashant and Pranavi Urs showcased their prowess, securing T18 and 13th positions, respectively.

While the Men’s Team concluded their campaign at the 7th position, the Women’s Team narrowly missed the Bronze Medal and finished at an admirable 4th position. Golf enthusiasts and experts praised the Indian golfers for their spirited performance and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Golf made its debut at the Asian Games in 1982 and has remained a key fixture in the continental meet ever since. India’s golfing journey at the Asian Games began with Lakshman Singh clinching the first men’s individual gold medal and contributing to the gold-medal-winning Indian men’s team in the inaugural edition.

In total, Indian golfers have now amassed an impressive tally of seven medals at the Asian Games, with three golds and four silvers to their name. Aditi Ashok’s historic silver medal win in Hangzhou added a significant chapter to India’s golfing legacy, breaking the gender barrier and inspiring generations of female golfers to aim for excellence on the international stage.