“This is just the beginning” - Shubhankar Sharma after achieving India’s best-ever men’s golf performance at the Olympics
Indian professional golfer Shubhankar Sharma scripted history after surpassing Anirban Lahiri to achieve the best-ever finish by an Indian in men’s golf in the Games history. Shubhankar finished 40th overall with 1-under 283 at the Paris Olympics 2024.
On the other hand, Gaganjeet Bhullar, who was part of the Indian team that won a silver medal at the Asian Games in 2006, settled for the 45th position, posting 1-over 285. Notably, Anirban Lahiri put up the previous best performance by an Indian at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 after finishing in 42nd place.
Reflecting on his experience at his maiden Olympics, Shubhankar Sharma sounded confident that as a country, India has the potential to achieve greater success in the future. He concluded by stating that this is just the beginning of a journey towards achieving newer heights.
“My Olympic experience has been unlike any other golfing event. It had the feel of a major tournament, yet with a different hue. I believe Olympics golf will very soon be right up there with the best of the golf events anywhere in the world - a fifth major with a golden touch for the country,” Shubhankar Sharma stated.
“I'm also confident that as a nation, we have the potential to achieve even greater success. This is just the beginning; we are embarking on a journey toward significant national glory,” he concluded.
Shubhankar Sharma and Gaganjeet Bhullar made their Olympic debut in Paris
The former Asian No.1 golfer Shubhankar Sharma, who made his Games debut in Paris, was at T25 after the conclusion of the second round. However, after the conclusion of the third round, he slid down nine places to T34. After the final round, he settled for T40.
Another Games debutant from India, Gaganjeet Bhullar started his campaign with a T56 on the opening day. However, he ascended 11 spots to finish at T45 on the final day.
With a final score of 19-under 265, USA’s Scottie Scheffler secured the gold medal. Great Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood bagged the silver medal, finishing one shot behind. Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, who missed out on a medal in Tokyo with a T4 finish, settled for a bronze medal.