It’s one of the more heart-warming associations to be found on a golf course these days – between a daughter and her father. The end result is that Diksha Dagar is in the form of her life. In her own words, she is thankful to her Col Narinder Dagar, daddy and caddy.
At a time when the focus was on Aditi Ashok at the Spanish Open in Malaga two weeks ago, Diksha had also done well. This has been an outstanding year for her, finishing seventh in the season’s last big event.
But then, Diksha, a fighter to the core, is still competing, blazing her way through the Q-School event in Alabama. With just one more of the six rounds to go, Diksha – currently tied for 35th, but only four strokes off a top-15 place – could well finish in the Top 20. What that would do is get her entries in the big events in 2024, maybe a full LPGA card as well.
In an exclusive chat with RevSportz, Diksha opened up, happy and sad, at the same time. Being ignored for the Asian Games in Hangzhou hurt her, but she is going to use that in a positive way. The big picture is do well in 2024. Who knows, India could well see two tigresses, Aditi Ashok and Diksha, scorch the greens in Paris.
RevSportz: Your thoughts on a strong finish in Spain recently, Diksha?
Diksha: It’s a long, successful season, and I was resilient to finish on a high. Putts did not drop during the first two rounds, I scored well in the last two rounds to climb up to seventh place, and also had a third-place podium finish [Indian Open] to the season. I was satisfied with my performance especially in the closing rounds.
RevSportz: How would you sum up 2023?
Diksha: It’s my best golfing year so far. Hard work bears fruit, opens up possibilities and opportunities. Things are tough but fair in golf at the international level, but I like the challenges. Support and teamwork are force multipliers.
RevSportz: How tough is it to be out there as a pro and compete? What is the sponsor situation with you?
Diksha: I would say it’s a lot tougher than we imagine it to be. It’s not easy to put everything together, the travel, accommodation, food, fitness, finances, and performance. From the outside, it may look fun and glamorous, which is there, but the backstage challenges are manifold.
Sponsorship is very tough to get as an Indian, as foreign corporations give priority to European women golfers. I think no one other than Hero MotoCorp looks to support women’s golf in India, which is so harsh for professional women golfers in India. Hope our women golfers get the much-needed support to excel at the highest level. But I do see things improving a bit.
RevSportz: Your thoughts on the Paris Olympics?
Diksha: I am excited about the opportunity and prospects. It is the biggest sporting event and an honour to represent India. Very good and befitting environment, support, and importance being given to all athletes and sports by the Ministry of Sports, SAI, Govt, and media. People at the Women’s Golf Association of India are doing great to grow and lift women’s golf in India.
RevSportz: You were kept out of the Asian Games. Did that hurt you?
Diksha: It’s the biggest disappointment. How many of us are able to reach a level in our journey as an athlete to have this strong possibility of winning a medal for the country at the Games? A disservice to the sport, nation, and athlete. It has inflicted a permanent hurt to me, my family, and all sports lovers of India.
RevSportz: Have you set any goals for yourself in 2024?
Diksha: Yes, I have. I will be focused and dedicate myself to putting up a good show at the Paris Olympics.