From having to cut short his honeymoon in Madagascar to play at The Open last year, India’s top golfer, Anirban Lahiri has been on a roll. Changing the face of golf and breaking barriers, the Bengaluru-based pro has been scaling heights where no Indian has ventured. Also, from tying the knot with long-time sweetheart Ipsa Jamwal, to taking part in all four Majors in the same calendar year and notching up the best-ever finish by an Indian at a Major event, it has indeed been a whirlwind year for Asia’s No. 1.
But the calm and composed Lahiri enjoys spending time with his loved ones within the confines of his home. Not aggressive by nature, the golfer has had to bring about some aggression to help him on the course. An addict of video games, the Bengalurean also takes up the challenge in front of the monitor, where he builds up an aggressive side to his otherwise passive nature.
Known on a first-name basis by the top golfers around the world, and a friendly face on and off the course, Lahiri is the approachable one, who always has a smile, for his fellow golfers and friends. He also admits to getting very carried away and being highly competitive while gaming at home with his friends. Apart from gaming he enjoys watching movies, mainly thrillers and mysteries, whenever he gets time off the course, which is very little these days.
And despite learning to play golf as early as eight from his father, Lahiri only hit the Asian Tour as late as 2008. The 28-year-old had one aim and that was to play for his country. “I didn’t know I was going to take up golf seriously until I was 18 or 19. Till then, I was enjoying myself and trying my hand at a lot of sports. But, I was really good playing golf. So, I decided to take it up seriously. My main goal was to represent and make my country proud and that is one feeling I will always cherish,” says the golfer, who is from an Army background and is conversant in several languages.
Hitting the headlines every now and then with new feats, Lahiri continues to keep the golf fraternity amazed. The latest feather in his cap came earlier this week when he was named in the International team for the prestigious President’s Cup. “I’m comfortable playing with top stars. I am a part of them now, and it doesn’t put any added pressure.
But there are several sporting figures whom I have always admired and I look up to them and take away a lot from them. In the golfing world, Tiger Woods has always been the one I absolutely admire. Apart from that, I really look up to Michael Schumacher and Sachin Tendulkar. For me, they are up there and knowing them personally and getting to meet them has been very special for me. It’s a nice feeling,” adds the Arjuna awardee.
With golf being included at the Rio Olympics next year, the 5-ft 9-inch soft-spoken golfer hopes the sport grows in popularity. “I am really looking forward to the Olympics. It should be a huge boost to the sport. Golf isn’t primarily a glamorous sport. When you start off, in your initial days, you stay in regular rooms and there’s nothing glamorous about it. But yes, I would call it an elitist sport. And it is gaining in popularity. I have looked up to several golfers growing up and I hope I can influence youngsters to take up the sport.”
Enjoying watching different sports, Lahiri, who loves playing computer games with his friends in his free time, believes golf isn’t people-friendly yet. “I wouldn’t call it people friendly. But that is a generic term. There are several people who come to watch and enjoy it. The basic principle is if you understand the sport, you will watch it and follow it. It is very popular in other parts of the world, and in India, it is slowly gaining popularity. For example, cricket is people friendly in our country but in America, you can’t expect the same response as they don’t understand the game as well. It’s all about understanding the sport,” said the golfer who sheepishly admits to being addicted to Hollywood movies.
Based in Bengaluru for over a decade, the newly-married star is quick to admit that the weather is what he loves the most about the city. “I am hardly home nowadays, but the weather is amazing. I enjoy going out as well but when I’m here what I love the most is home cooked food because that is something I don’t get often with all the travelling. I have been in and out of the country and haven’t had too much time but I’m glad my wife travels with me so we have some time together,” India’s star golfer who is off next month to script another chapter in his memorable career, at the President’s Cup, signs off.
