‘I don’t want to be just an Olympian’ – Anirban Lahiri wants to ‘make a difference’ as he gears up for his second successive Olympics

‘I don’t want to be just an Olympian’ – Anirban Lahiri wants to ‘make a difference’ as he gears up for his second successive Olympics

Anirban Lahiri

Anirban Lahiri has qualified for his second Olympic Games by finishing first among Indian golfers in the final Tokyo Games Rankings for men. Lahiri was placed at the 60th position in the Games standings, which was the final available quota to make it to the mega event. India were only entitled for one berth, and Lahiri, who was ranked 340th in the current official global golf rankings, was the highest-ranked Indian.

Lahiri calls the Olympic qualification a gift and claims that he didn’t expect to qualify considering his recent performances.

“It was a big surprise; I wasn’t expecting it. Even though I’ve earned it, I don’t feel like I’ve really earned it as I know how far below my potential, I’ve played this year. It’s a gift and an opportunity, so why would I throw it away,” said Anirban Lahiri to PTI.

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This will be the second successive Olympic appearance for Lahiri after making it to the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro. The Indian golfer finished 57th in the Rio Olympics 2016 and is now be looking to make amends this time around. Lahiri states that he wants to make a difference and deliver to the responsibility he has towards the nation by winning a medal.

“I know what it is to be an Olympian as I’ve done it before (in Rio) and I don’t want to be just an Olympian. I want to win a medal and I want to do something that makes a difference. I know winning a PGA Tour event will do that, but winning a medal would do even more. I do have a certain responsibility towards the game and my country,” added Lahiri.

Winning a Medal would help promote Golf in India: Anirban Lahiri

Anirban Lahiri
Anirban Lahiri

Anirban Lahiri also added that he has got a great deal of support from the country. He stated that how kids who are playing golf now have congratulated him and are looking towards him as their role model.

Lahiri believes that if he wins a medal at the Tokyo Olympics then it will help to promote the sport in the country and he wants to pay back everything he has got from the game.

“I’ve gotten so many messages from kids who are playing the game now, saying ‘We’re so glad you’re in, we’ve always looked up to you, and go make us proud.’ Everybody has different motivations as to why they do this for a living and a large part is supporting yourself, family, and personal achievements. There’s also a huge aspect for me personally that comes from everything that I’ve gotten from the sport and all the love and support I’ve got from my country,” said Lahiri.

Also Read : Tokyo Olympics: How many Medals can India win?