New Delhi, 16-03-2016
The Race to Rio is on
Contenders SSP, Chiragh, Rahil & Rashid look to make gains at Indian Open
It is a foregone conclusion that Anirban Lahiri, currently ranked 52nd in the world, will be leading the two-man Indian team at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics later this year. But the matter yet to be settled is which Indian golfer will earn the privilege of partnering Lahiri at the mega-event.
As of now there are a bunch of Indian golfers staking claim to earn the second berth in the team and this contest could only get more interesting in the next few months leading up to the cut-off date of qualification which is July 11, 2016.
A look at the current world ranking suggests that three-time international winner SSP Chawrasia is the frontrunner to partner Lahiri in the Indian team since he at the moment is the second-highest ranked Indian in the world at No. 243.
However, there are plenty of other hopefuls breathing down Chawrasia’s neck, such as Chiragh Kumar (290), Rashid Khan (343), Rahil Gangjee (357) and Chikkarangappa (366). Chawrasia and the rest will be battling it out for crucial world ranking points on the Asian Tour in the coming months.
This week’s Indian Open could be a turning point in the race to Rio as the tournament provides a golden opportunity particularly to the likes of Chawrasia, Chiragh, Gangjee and Rashid, to make significant gains in the world rankings as they tee it up at one of their favourite venues, the Delhi Golf Club.
About PGTI:
Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognised official body of professional golf in India. PGTI's objective is to promote professional golf in the country, as well as to give players an opportunity to be involved in the decision making on all aspects of the game. Headed by Mr. Srinivasan H R (President), PGTI's governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
For information on PGTI, please contact:
Nikhil Kalaan
Media Manager - PGTI
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Email: media@pgtofindia.com
