Jeev plans ‘moment of pride’ for dad

With golf returning to the Olympics after more than 100 years at Rio de Janeiro this August, seasoned golfer Jeev Milkha Singh hopes to give his father — the legendary Milkha Singh — a rare moment of pride by joining Anirban Lahiri in the India squad for the world’s biggest multi-sport extravaganza.

Jeev said he has grown up hearing stories of the Olympics from his father and that “those stories give me goosebumps even now”.

“He used to talk about the Games Village, about the sportspersons he met, the guidance from players... those stories were encouraging. I know why my father used to tell me all those stories, so that I work hard and be able to represent my country. He wanted me to be an Olympian,” said Jeev ahead of the Hero Indian Open on Tuesday.

“For me, the Olympics are one of the biggest events in sport. I feel it’s very close to my heart because of my father. And if I am fortunate enough, if I play well and get two or three wins before July, then we will be a very fortunate family, it will be the best gift I can give my father.” the Chandigarh-born pro added.

Sprint legend Milkha represented India in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, 1960 Olympics in Rome and 1964 Olympics in Tokyo.

Jeev, who feels he is gradually regaining form after a tied seventh finish in Thailand last week, believes a strong three to four months will give him a realistic chance of making the cut.

“The Olympics are in my mind but my ranking is not great. I think S.S.P. (Chawrasia) is number two behind Anirban Lahiri. He is playing well. I will give it a try this time, if it happens fine, or else I have 2020 to look forward to,” he added.