Trailblazing Indian golfer, Diksha Dagar has moved on from simply being happy to be at the Olympics. Now, with a steely focus and a newfound maturity, she sets her sights on a podium finish at the upcoming Paris Games.
Dagar's Olympic journey began in Tokyo, where she became the first Indian golfer to tee off alongside compatriot Aditi Ashok, who impressed with a commendable fourth-place finish.
However, for Dagar, the Tokyo experience was primarily about learning and soaking in the atmosphere.
Fast forward to the present, and the 23-year-old presents a different picture.
Fresh off a historic feat – becoming the first Indian to compete in 100 Ladies European Tour events – Dagar embarks on a rigorous European sojourn in the lead-up to Paris.
Starting this week at the Amundi German Masters in Berlin, she will participate in a minimum of nine tournaments, all meticulously chosen to hone her skills for the biggest sporting spectacle.
"Every event from here on will be treated with the same focus and intensity as the Olympics itself," declared Dagar on the 'Fit India Champions Podcast'.
This newfound determination is a testament to the immense personal growth she has experienced since Tokyo.
"In Tokyo, it was all about participation, a fantastic learning experience that motivated me immensely. But for Paris, I am laser-focused on delivering a strong performance, not just being there."
Dagar's story transcends the boundaries of the ordinary. Not only is she a left-handed golfer, but she is also the only athlete to have competed in both the Olympics (for the able-bodied) and the Deaflympics (for the hearing impaired).
Born deaf, Dagar relies on a cochlear implant to navigate the world. Managed by her ever-supportive father, Colonel Narinder Dagar, she has carved a unique path, etching her name in Deaflympics history with a silver medal in 2017 and a gold in 2022.
Her professional career, too, is on an upward trajectory. Having turned professional in 2019, Dagar dreams of competing in the prestigious LPGA circuit, a testament to her ambition to test herself against the very best. Currently ranked 147th in the world, her sights are set on breaking into the coveted top 50.
"Maintaining discipline and focusing on the process throughout these upcoming tournaments will be paramount," says Dagar, a Novak Djokovic admirer known for her unwavering mental fortitude.
A late entrant into the Tokyo games due to a player withdrawal, Dagar has already secured three professional titles and currently sits at 37th in the Olympic rankings.
Dagar finds crucial support in the Sports Authority of India's Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS), one of only two female golfers currently under the program alongside Aditi Ashok. This week's pre-Olympic tournaments will see her receive financial assistance of Rs 35.48 lakh, a significant boost in her preparations.
Reflecting on her growth, Dagar describes it as a journey from graduation to postgraduate studies. "I've honed my mental approach, learned to manage expectations, and refined every aspect of training, fitness, travel, and overall preparation. It's like I've graduated from the basics and am now delving deeper into the nuances of professional golf."
This newfound maturity and confidence are evident in her demeanor. "I feel more balanced, stable, and ultimately, a happier golfer," she shared with SAI Media from Berlin.
Dagar's success story transcends personal achievement. Her 2019 debut victory in South Africa stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring young women golfers in India. However, she acknowledges the challenges faced by women's golf in the country, highlighting the need for increased support and participation.
"Women's golf in India, particularly at the professional level, is still in its nascent stages," she observes. "I hope my journey inspires more girls and parents to embrace this beautiful sport. We need more support for women's golf, which currently lags behind the men's game. Reaching this milestone of 100 Ladies European Tour events feels like playing in 100 Test matches – a significant achievement, and hopefully, an inspiration for others."
Diksha Dagar's story is one of resilience, dedication, and a burning desire to excel. As she embarks on her European conquest, the golfing world watches with anticipation. The young prodigy from India is no longer content with mere participation; she is a determined athlete with her sights set firmly on the podium in Paris.
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