Invaluable experience at Rio: Aditi Ashok

Aditi means limitless or boundless and true to her name, Aditi Ashok has changed the face of women’s golf in the country with her impressive show at the Rio Olympics.

With the sport making a comeback to the Games for the first time since 1904, the Bengaluru golfer took the world by surprise as she got off to a solid start, which put her in medal contention after the opening round. Though the teenage sensation was unable to follow up, she did give her rivals a run for their money.

Having turned pro in January this year, the globetrotting teenager who was the youngest in the field at Rio, recalled her experience on sport’s biggest stage.

“I really enjoyed playing in the Olympics. I started well but wish I could have done better on the last couple of days,” said the only Indian in the women’s field to this newspaper. “I loved playing at the amazing Reserva de Marapendi. It played different almost everyday because of the wind, but I enjoyed it.

“The experience of playing with some of the best in world was invaluable. I learned that I have to be more consistent and have to maintain my rhythm through the week. I know I can compete at the highest level and I just have to keep working hard.”

‘Staying at Olympic village was fun’ The youngster took away several memories off the field as well. It was a platform which allowed Aditi to mingle with some of the best athletes. “I got to meet Annika Sorenstam, Gary Player and Se Ri Pak and chat with them a bit, so that was great. I also stayed at the Olympic Village and got to meet other athletes and learn about their experiences,” added Aditi, the only Indian golfer at the Asian Youth Games (2013), Youth Olympic Games (2014), Asian Games (2014) and Rio Olympics (2016).

Aditi, who took up golf at age five, has had her share of fame with an illustrious amateur career. But with her performance on the big stage, the youngster came under the spotlight of the entire world and has handled herself gracefully.

“It was good that a lot of people covered me and a lot of Indians watched me play last week. The aim of bringing golf into the Olympics was to boost its popularity around the world and so I hope my game helped with that.”

After her dominant show, Aditi hopes more will take up the sport in India. “I hope my game helped grow golf in India and inspired more juniors to take up the sport.”