Paris 2024 Olympics: India’s Golf Results and Scores

The Paris 2024 Olympics marked a significant chapter in the history of Indian golf, as four of the country’s most talented golfers—Aditi Ashok, Diksha Dagar, Shubhankar Sharma, and Gaganjeet Bhullar—took to the global stage in the men’s and women’s individual golf events. Competing at Le Golf National, these athletes showcased their skills and determination in a sport that has slowly but steadily gained recognition in India.

The Men's Event: A Historic Achievement

Golf at the Paris 2024 Olympics began on August 1 with the men’s individual event, featuring Shubhankar Sharma and Gaganjeet Bhullar representing India. Both golfers were making their Olympic debuts, and their performances were eagerly anticipated by fans and experts alike.

Shubhankar Sharma, a former Asia No. 1, entered the competition with high expectations. Known for his consistent performances on the Asian and European tours, Sharma delivered a commendable performance at Paris 2024, finishing T40. This result not only marked his best finish at the Olympics but also set a new benchmark for Indian golf in the men’s category. The previous best result in men’s golf at the Olympics was T42, achieved by Anirban Lahiri at Tokyo 2020. Sharma's performance at Paris 2024, therefore, represents a significant improvement and highlights the progress of Indian golf on the global stage.

Gaganjeet Bhullar, another stalwart of Indian golf, also made his Olympic debut at Paris 2024. Despite a challenging start, where he was positioned T56 on the opening day, Bhullar demonstrated resilience and skill by climbing 11 places over the subsequent rounds to finish T45 with a score of 1-over 285. Bhullar’s journey at the Olympics reflects his ability to compete under pressure and adapt to the challenges posed by the world’s best golfers.

The Women's Event: A Battle of Experience and Promise

The women’s individual golf event at Paris 2024 teed off on August 7, with the final round concluding on August 10. Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar, two of India’s most promising female golfers, represented the nation in this highly competitive field.

Aditi Ashok, the most experienced member of the Indian golf team, made her third Olympic appearance in Paris. Having finished fourth at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Aditi entered Paris 2024 with hopes of securing India’s first golf medal at the Olympics. Her campaign began on a strong note, as she was positioned T13 after the first round. However, the following rounds proved challenging, as Aditi slipped down the leaderboard. Despite this setback, she made a strong comeback on the final day, climbing 11 places to finish T29. Aditi’s performance at Paris 2024, though not as successful as her previous Olympic campaign, once again highlighted her resilience and determination to compete at the highest level.

Diksha Dagar, the 2021 Deaflympics champion, made her second Olympic appearance at Paris 2024. Diksha’s journey is particularly noteworthy, as she is the only Indian golfer to have competed in both the Olympics and the Deaflympics. At Paris 2024, Diksha started strong, positioned T7 on the opening day. However, she was unable to maintain this momentum in the subsequent rounds and ultimately finished T49. Despite the challenges, Diksha’s participation in Paris 2024 adds to her growing experience and highlights her potential to become a major force in women’s golf.

The Legacy of Paris 2024 for Indian Golf

The participation of Aditi Ashok, Diksha Dagar, Shubhankar Sharma, and Gaganjeet Bhullar at the Paris 2024 Olympics marks a significant moment in the history of Indian golf. Although the team did not secure a medal, their performances contributed to the growing recognition and development of golf in India. Competing against the world’s best golfers, these athletes demonstrated that Indian golf is on the rise, with the potential to achieve even greater success in the future.

The inclusion of golf in the Olympic program has provided a global platform for the sport, allowing golfers from around the world to showcase their skills and compete for one of the most prestigious titles in sports. At Paris 2024, the competition saw 120 golfers—60 men and 60 women—compete on an 18-hole course over four days. The top three golfers with the least number of strokes were awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals in both the men’s and women’s events.

For India, the experience gained by its golfers at Paris 2024 will be invaluable as they continue to compete on the international stage. Shubhankar Sharma’s T40 finish, the best-ever result by an Indian male golfer at the Olympics, sets a new standard for future participants. Similarly, Aditi Ashok’s journey from a fourth-place finish at Tokyo 2020 to a T29 finish at Paris 2024 underscores the challenges and unpredictability of competitive golf.

As Indian golf continues to grow, the lessons learned from the Paris 2024 Olympics will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport in the country. The performances of Aditi Ashok, Diksha Dagar, Shubhankar Sharma, and Gaganjeet Bhullar serve as an inspiration for the next generation of golfers in India, encouraging them to aim for excellence and continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.

Conclusion

The Paris 2024 Olympics may not have brought a medal for Indian golf, but the performances of Aditi Ashok, Diksha Dagar, Shubhankar Sharma, and Gaganjeet Bhullar have left a lasting impact. Their participation and achievements highlight the progress of Indian golf on the global stage and set the stage for future successes. As these athletes continue their careers, the experience gained at Paris 2024 will serve as a foundation for their future endeavors, and their legacy will inspire a new generation of golfers to dream big and strive for excellence in the sport.