India’s hopes in the women’s golf event at the Paris 2024 Olympics rested on Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar. Both athletes had previously represented India at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where Aditi Ashok finished just shy of a medal in fourth place. The Paris 2024 event was an opportunity for redemption and glory, but the competition proved to be as challenging as ever.
Aditi Ashok began her Olympic campaign with promise, sitting comfortably at 14th place after the second round. However, the third round saw her drop significantly to 40th place, a setback that tested her resolve. On the final day, Aditi displayed her fighting spirit, carding a 4-under 68, which helped her climb back up to 29th place. She made seven birdies and three bogeys, showing her capability to recover under pressure, though her earlier rounds ultimately hindered her overall standing.
Diksha Dagar’s journey was a rollercoaster, starting strong at seventh place after the first round but slipping steadily down the leaderboard with each passing day. By the final round, she found herself in 49th place after a challenging 6-over 78 performance. Diksha, a 2021 Deaflympics champion, struggled to maintain consistency across the four rounds, finishing with a total score of 13-over 301.
Coach of the Indian team praised the efforts of both golfers, stating, "The girls showed incredible grit, especially in the face of fierce competition. Aditi’s comeback in the final round was commendable, and Diksha has gained invaluable experience that will benefit her future endeavors."
The competition was fierce, with New Zealand’s Lydia Ko ultimately taking home the gold medal. Lydia, who had already won silver at Rio 2016 and bronze at Tokyo 2020, completed her collection with a stellar performance at Paris 2024, finishing with a 10-under 278. Germany’s Esther Henseleit secured the silver with 8-under 280, while China’s Xiyu Lin took bronze with 7-under 281.
India’s participation in the women’s golf event, while not yielding a medal, highlighted the progress and potential of its athletes on the world stage. Aditi Ashok’s final round, in particular, showcased her ability to compete among the world’s best, even if the ultimate prize remained elusive this time. As the Indian golfers reflect on their performances, they carry forward valuable lessons that will undoubtedly shape their future in the sport.
The Paris 2024 Olympics served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of golf, where fortunes can change dramatically from one round to the next. For Aditi and Diksha, the experience gained will be crucial as they continue to represent India in international competitions, striving for the elusive Olympic medal in the future.
