New Delhi: Making your Olympic debut can be intimidating, but then again, what kind of friends can I do if I can't reduce stress and motivate each other? This is something that Indian golfers Shubhankar Sharma and Gaganjeet Bhullar are counting on as they prepare for the Paris Games.
Sharma and Bhullar are ranked 47th and 52nd respectively in the international round rankings as of April 29 and are expected to be among the 60 professionals who will compete at Le Golf National on August 1.
The Chandigarh-based professionals are part of the Sports Ministry's Target Olympic Podium Scheme.
"TOPS is great initiative of the government and supports deserving players
Represent the nation at the highest level. Very few people know that golf is different in many ways
Especially as far as expenses are concerned," the 27-year-old Sharma, who is currently competing at the Volvo China Open in Beijing, was quoted by the Sports Authority of India in a press release.He said, "I will use my experience to fulfill the country's expectations in the Olympics. Needless to say, I will give my best."
Will cover the cost of financial assistance given to Sharma under TOPS
Competing in nine DP World Tour events in addition to the two major championships
US Open and British Open – Apart from coach fees, appointment of physiotherapist
and dietitian services, airfare, food and accommodation and out-of-pocket allowance.
Talking about his preparation, Sharma said that he is following a schedule for the Olympics.
“I am happy with myself and where I stand today,” he said.This is work in the right direction. Now more than the challenges, it's just about getting it right. I am very positive."
Sharma greatly respects his senior Bhullar in the professional circuit.
“Gagan is a proven champion and I look up to him a lot.His mentality about winning is amazing. I am sure both of us will be able to inspire each other to make the country proud in Paris," Sharma said.
The 36-year-old Bhullar, an 11-time Asian Tour champion and 2006 Asian Games silver medalist, said he is hungry to do well in Paris.
“It is a proud moment for me to join TOPS.Although I have received support from sponsors over the years, there are still many things left to do. "I would like to strengthen my team with a psychologist, caddy and fitness coach," he said.
“Shubhankar is much younger than me, but I have played a few rounds with him in many tournaments. We both are excited because it is our first Olympics."Golf is a game where anything can happen, a few good rounds, a few goo shots can certainly go a long way in deciding the outcome," he said.
Sharma and Bhullar are ranked 47th and 52nd respectively in the international round rankings as of April 29 and are expected to be among the 60 professionals who will compete at Le Golf National on August 1.
The Chandigarh-based professionals are part of the Sports Ministry's Target Olympic Podium Scheme.
"TOPS is great initiative of the government and supports deserving players
Represent the nation at the highest level. Very few people know that golf is different in many ways
Especially as far as expenses are concerned," the 27-year-old Sharma, who is currently competing at the Volvo China Open in Beijing, was quoted by the Sports Authority of India in a press release.He said, "I will use my experience to fulfill the country's expectations in the Olympics. Needless to say, I will give my best."
Will cover the cost of financial assistance given to Sharma under TOPS
Competing in nine DP World Tour events in addition to the two major championships
US Open and British Open – Apart from coach fees, appointment of physiotherapist
and dietitian services, airfare, food and accommodation and out-of-pocket allowance.
Talking about his preparation, Sharma said that he is following a schedule for the Olympics.
“I am happy with myself and where I stand today,” he said.This is work in the right direction. Now more than the challenges, it's just about getting it right. I am very positive."
Sharma greatly respects his senior Bhullar in the professional circuit.
“Gagan is a proven champion and I look up to him a lot.His mentality about winning is amazing. I am sure both of us will be able to inspire each other to make the country proud in Paris," Sharma said.
The 36-year-old Bhullar, an 11-time Asian Tour champion and 2006 Asian Games silver medalist, said he is hungry to do well in Paris.
“It is a proud moment for me to join TOPS.Although I have received support from sponsors over the years, there are still many things left to do. "I would like to strengthen my team with a psychologist, caddy and fitness coach," he said.
“Shubhankar is much younger than me, but I have played a few rounds with him in many tournaments. We both are excited because it is our first Olympics."Golf is a game where anything can happen, a few good rounds, a few goo shots can certainly go a long way in deciding the outcome," he said.
