Battling a minor neck sprain, Indian golfer SSP Chawrasia is all set for a new beginning under coach Vijay Divecha in 2016 which will also be a testing time for him to make the cut for Rio Olympics, a first for the sport since 1904.
“The top-two will lead India’s challenge and I’m pretty close in getting there. Olympics is a big motivation and a good performance will give the sport a big boost,” said the unassuming Kolkata lad on Friday while undergoing a rehab to treat his neck sprain that he sustained while working out.
The 37-year-old, who finished fourth in the 2015 Asian Tour rankings, is tipped to make the cut along with India numero uno and world ranked 40 Anirban Lahiri, who’s also coached by the Bengaluru-based Divecha.
Members of the Asian Team in the second EurAsia Cup, they will meet at the Glenmarie Golf & Country Club in Malaysia next week as Chawrasia will chalk out his roadmap for Rio 2016.
Without a coach for about four years, Chawrasia is looking forward to meet Divecha.
“I did not have a coach for three-four years. But to iron out certain flaws, which has crept into my game, I need a coach.
So, I will seek his (Divecha) advice. I’ll have to take it to the next level and widen the gap so as to qualify for Olympics, but I’m ready,” Chawrasia said.
Chawrasia said he would have to shift his base to Bengaluru.
As of now, he is focussed on winning the EurAsia Cup presented in Malaysia.
Team Asia is led by non-playing captain Jeev Milkha Singh with Lahiri and Chawrasia apart from a host of other top players from Asia. “Thankfully my injury is not serious and I’ll be fine with the physiotherapy treatment. I will start practising in a week’s time. We’ve a good team and we’re hopeful of winning the title this time,” added Chawrasia.
The winning team will share a prize money of USD 3.6 million while the runners-up will share USD 1.2 million in the battle between Team Asia versus Team Europe.
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