"Reflection of talent, determination, hardwork...": Kapil Dev hails Pranavi Urs
Cricket legend Kapil Dev celebrates Pranavi Urs' historic individual golf gold and the Indian women's team's silver medal at the Asian Games.
Cricket legend and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) president Kapil Dev has showered praise on Pranavi Urs following her monumental achievement at the Asian Games. The Mysuru-born golfer made history by securing the individual gold medal, a feat that has ignited celebrations across the Indian sporting community.
Kapil Dev lauded both Urs and the Indian women's golf team, which secured a silver medal in the team event. He described the achievements as a profound reflection of the talent, grit, and relentless hard work displayed by the athletes on the continental stage.
A Historic Gold for Indian Golf
The 23-year-old Pranavi Urs scripted a new chapter in Indian sports history on Saturday. By clinching the individual gold, she became the first Indian woman to ever win an individual golf gold medal at the Asian Games. This victory also marks India's first golf gold at the Games since Shiv Kapur's men's individual triumph back in 2002.
The final round was a high-stakes battle of nerves. Urs managed to hold her composure in a tightly contested finish, ending with a total score of 15-under 265. This performance allowed her to edge out China's Yin Ruoning and Singapore's Shannon Tan by a single stroke.
Team Success: India Secures Silver
Pranavi's individual brilliance was not her only contribution to the Games. She played a pivotal role in the women's team event, where India fought hard to claim the silver medal. The team, consisting of Pranavi Urs, Aditi Ashok, and Diksha Dagar, finished with a total of 14-under 546.
The team standings were determined by the best two scores from the three golfers. While China claimed the gold with a score of 22-under 538, the Indian trio showed remarkable consistency:
- Aditi Ashok: Delivered a strong 67 in the final round.
- Diksha Dagar: Carded a 77 to help secure the podium finish.
- Pranavi Urs: Provided the momentum needed for the silver medal campaign.
Kapil Dev's Tribute to the Champions
Expressing his immense pride, Kapil Dev highlighted the rising standard of women's golf in India. In a formal statement, he emphasized that these victories are a testament to the growing strength of the sport within the country.
"Pranavi Urs’ historic gold medal in the women’s individual event and the silver medal won by our women’s team at the Asian Games are moments of immense pride for India and Indian golf. These medals are a reflection of the talent, determination and hard work of our players, and of the growing strength of women’s golf in our country," said Kapil Dev.
The former cricket icon specifically pointed out the mental toughness required to succeed at such a level. He praised Urs for her "nerves of steel and tremendous belief," while noting how the synergy between Aditi, Diksha, and Pranavi led to the team's success.
Concluding his tribute, the PGTI president congratulated the golfers on behalf of the entire Indian golfing fraternity, stating that they have shown the world what is possible through discipline and fearless competition on the biggest stages.