With the much-awaited Asian Games 2023 just around the corner, the excitement in the golfing community is soaring high as the Indian Golf Team has been officially unveiled.

In an exhilarating display of talent and grit, two young golfers from Bengaluru, Avani Prashanth and Pranavi Urs, emerged as the top contenders in the Indian Golf Union’s selection trials for the Asian Games 2023. The trials, held at the prestigious Royal Calcutta Golf Club in Kolkata, witnessed a fierce competition among 19 women vying for a coveted spot in the Indian team for the continental meet.

The impressive performances of Avani Prashanth and Pranavi Urs secured their place alongside Olympian Aditi Ashok, who was granted a direct entry based on her remarkable ranking. Aditi Ashok, who narrowly missed out on a medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, will be a key pillar of the Indian team’s aspirations in the upcoming Asian Games.

Pranavi Urs, a 20-year-old golfing prodigy, and Avani Prashanth, aged 16, have been turning heads in the golfing community with their consistent achievements. Notably, the young duo had earlier showcased their mettle at the Queen Sirikit Cup 2023 in the Philippines, where they emerged victorious. Their impressive performance in the selection trials saw them tying for the first position with a remarkable score of 10-under 206.

Securing the third spot was Tvesa Malik, whose talent had earned her a direct entry in the previous year’s Asian Games based on her rankings. Despite her commendable efforts, Malik narrowly missed the mark this time. Nevertheless, her contributions to Indian golf remain invaluable.

However, the trials also saw the absence of Tokyo Olympian Diksha Dagar, whose notable achievements had earned her recognition on the global stage. Unfortunately, Dagar’s performance placed her in the fifth position with a score of three-under 213, which meant she narrowly missed a spot in the Indian team for the Asian Games in China.

In the men’s category, the trials saw an intense competition with 19 talented golfers vying for the coveted Asian Games spots. Khalin Joshi emerged as the frontrunner, displaying exceptional skill and determination, tallying an impressive 13-under 203. Following closely behind in second place was SSP Chawrasia, who managed an impressive 11-under 205.

Joining Khalin Joshi and SSP Chawrasia in the Indian men’s golf team will be Anirban Lahiri and Shubhankar Sharma. Lahiri and Sharma, seasoned players with an illustrious track record, were granted direct entries based on their impressive rankings. Lahiri, notably part of the Indian golf team that secured silver at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, is expected to bring valuable experience to the squad.

Sadly, the trials brought disappointment for Rashid Khan, the silver medallist from the 2010 Asian Games. Despite his best efforts, Khan narrowly missed securing his berth after finishing fifth with a score of six-under 210.

India’s history in golf at the Asian Games is a testament to the nation’s golfing prowess. Since the sport made its debut at the 1982 Asian Games, India has won six medals, with three golds and three silvers, across individual and team events. Notably, all medals have been won by men.

The Asian Games 2023, scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8, promise to be a spectacle of sportsmanship and talent.