Veer Ahlawat Poised for Indian Open Triumph

Veer Ahlawat, a seasoned Indian golfer, is prepped to make a strong showing at this year's Indian Open after a successful season on the DP World Tour. With experience, support from fellow golf icons, and mental resilience, he aims to surpass last year's runner-up finish.

Renowned Indian golfer Veer Ahlawat is gearing up for the Indian Open, a tournament that holds significant meaning for him. The 29-year-old, who clinched a DP World Tour card following his impressive victory in the PGTI Order of Merit, aims to improve on his second-place finish from last year at the DLF Golf and Country Club on Thursday. Ahlawat is among 30 Indian golfers, including four amateurs, set to compete in the prestigious event, featuring a lucrative prize pool of US$2.25 million. This will be his fifth appearance at the tournament, and following his tied second position in 2024, he is driven to achieve even greater success.

Ahlawat attributes his growth in the sport to inspiration from India's golfing legends. 'I look up to many Indian golfers like Shubhankar Sharma and Jeev Milkha Singh. My goal is to match their performances on the European Tour and aspire to reach the heights of Anirban Lahiri on the international stage,' Ahlawat stated to ANI.

Overcoming obstacles is inevitable for professional golfers, and for Ahlawat, financial hurdles posed a significant challenge early in his career. 'Finding sponsorship for international travel was challenging at first, but I was fortunate to secure some support to help me start,' he recounted.

Preparing for one of India's major golfing events, Ahlawat emphasizes mental resilience. He relies on a calming pre-game ritual involving meditation and conversations with family. 'Meditation and speaking with my parents or wife helps me unwind before major competitions,' he noted.

Ahlawat views the progress of Indian golf with optimism, recognizing the potential for growth. 'Golf in India is improving remarkably, especially with young talent emerging. Junior golfers are delivering impressive rounds, and our international-standard courses support their development,' he observed. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)