Indian golfer Diksha Dagar won silver in women’s individiual golf event at Deaflympics at Samsun in Turkey. Ranked number 1 in Junior Golf in India, Dikha got a bye in the quarterfinals and then defeated Germany’s Gonzalez Podbicanin A 9 & 8 in the semifinals to set up a final clash with Yost Kaylin for the gold medal.
In the final match, Dikha started well and was 3 up after six holes but Kaylin clinched the next three holes with two birdies to level the score. In the back nine, Kaylin was one up after firing a long birdie putt on the 13th. However, Diksha too bounced back with three birdies and was one up on the 17th green. But the experienced American who plays in the Ladies Professional golf tour of America, then dropped a 16-footer birdie putt to level the score. In the final play-off, Kaylin emerged winner to clinch the gold, while Diksha settled for the silver.
Diksha has been using a hearing aid since she was six. Of the eight domestic tournaments she has participated, she has won 4 and finished runner-up in 2. She has also taken part in four international meets, including the World Ladies Amateur Golf Championship. Her achievements last year helped her earn a place in the national team for the Usha All India Amateur Golf Championship, which turns 100. She is the only Indian golfer (U-18) to be ranked in the top 500 at global level.
India had sent a strong contingent of 46 athletes for the Deaflympics being staged in Samsun from July 18th to 30th. This is the first time golf is a part of Deaflympics.
