It may not have been the dream finish for Aditi Ashok at the women’s Olympic Games golf competition after narrowly missing out on the silver medal play-off by one stroke but the youngster won the hearts of billions of Indians with her historic performance.
The 23-year-old, who had been in the top three for the first three rounds at Kasumigaseki Country Club, was trending in fourth spot on Twitter worldwide overnight and was praised by many for her superb display including India’s President.
“Well played, Aditi Ashok! One more daughter of India makes her mark! You have taken Indian golfing to new heights by today’s historic performance. You have played with immense calm and poise. Congratulations for the impressive display of grit and skills,” said the President on the social media platform.
Four-time European Tour winner and compatriot Jeev Milkha Singh was quick to point out the huge boost this could be to Indian golf and hopes the Indian government uses her display as a platform to inspire more youngsters to get into the game.
“I would just say that the performance given by Aditi Ashok, she has created history by finishing fourth in the competition,” said the 49-year-old, who became the first Indian golfer join the European Tour in 1998.
“Golf was introduced in the Olympics in 2016 after a long gap and Aditi Ashok has now given new hope to all youngsters. This will give a huge boost to Indian golf. I have always requested the government that there should be more public driving ranges in the country, everyone should get a chance to try their hand at golf. Public driving ranges will help children to practise their skills and then they come at golf courses to follow their dream and passion.”
Despite the heartbreak of missing out on a medal, Ashok was rightly proud of her brilliant performance after going toe-to-toe with a plethora of the world’s best players in some of the most extreme conditions she would have ever played in.
“It was a good week, I played well on all four days and I was in the top three in the first three days,” said Ashok, who is ranked 200th in the world.
“I had no expectations coming here but obviously, everyone comes to win a medal. So being in that position the whole time was really good for my game and my confidence. Unfortunately, I did not win a medal but it’s still been a great week.”
“Golf isn’t popular in India so just by me doing well here, if more people have watched and want to learn about golf, it’s obviously a great thing. Thanks to the whole country for all the support I have felt in the last few days.”
Nelly Korda completed an American double for the USA after following in Xander Schauffele’s footsteps and finishing top of the leaderboard while Japan’s Mone Inami beat Rio silver-medallist Lydia Ko on the first hole of a play-off to secure the silver medal.
