India will be represented by four talented golfers at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, aiming for a podium finish in both the men's and women's individual competitions.
Leading the charge is Aditi Ashok, the most experienced member of the team, who will be making her third Olympic appearance. Ashok, 26, came agonizingly close to a bronze medal at Tokyo 2020, finishing in fourth place.
Joining Ashok in the women's competition is Diksha Dagar, who is set to compete in her second Olympics. Dagar, a Deafalympics champion, made history in Tokyo 2020, becoming the only Indian golfer to participate in both the Olympics and the Deafalympics.
The men's team will be spearheaded by Shubhankar Sharma, a former Asia No. 1, and Gaganjeet Bhullar, a silver medallist at the 2006 Asian Games. Both will be making their Olympic debuts.
The golf tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics will be held from 1st to 10th August. The competition format features a four-round, 18-hole stroke play competition, with the top three golfers in each event receiving gold, silver, and bronze medals respectively.
A total of 120 golfers, 60 men and 60 women, will vie for Olympic glory. France, as the host nation, received at least one quota place per gender, while the remaining 118 spots were filled based on the Olympic Golf Rankings (OGR) list.
Several notable golfers will be vying for medals, including the Tokyo 2020 women's champion Nelly Korda, bronze medallist Lydia Ko, and the men's gold and bronze medallists from Tokyo 2020, Xander Schauffele and Pan Cheng-tsung, respectively.
The men's golf competition will commence on 1st August and conclude on 4th August. Following a two-day break, the women's competition will tee off at Le Golf National in Guyancourt, with the final round scheduled for 10th August.
India's four golfers will undoubtedly be aiming to make their mark on the global stage and bring home Olympic glory for their nation. With their experience, talent, and dedication, they stand a strong chance of achieving success in Paris.