Indian women's star golfer Aditi Ashok had to settle for silver after giving up a lead from the first three rounds to finish behind Thailand's Arpichaya Yubol at the Asian Games 2023 on Sunday, September 2. In the team event as well, the side slipped from first position to finish fourth.
In a closely contested competition, Aditi Ashok finished behind Thailand's Arpichaya Yubol, secured the silver medal with an impressive 19-under score. Yubol's rounds of 67-65-69-77 showcased her golf prowess. South Korea's Hyunjo Yoo claimed the bronze medal with a 16-under score, characterized by rounds of 67-67-68-65.
Aditi Ashok's silver medal marked a historic moment in Indian golf history. She became the second Indian, after Shiv Kapur's gold-winning performance in the 2002 Busan Asian Games, to clinch an individual medal in golf at the Asian Games. Her achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a significant stride for women's golf in India.
In the team event, India fielded a strong contingent, but despite Aditi Ashok's individual brilliance, the team couldn't secure a podium finish. Pranavi URS Sharath and Avani Prashanth finished 12th and 17th, respectively, highlighting the challenges faced in the team competition.
Aditi Ashok's silver added to India's growing golf medal tally at the Asian Games. India now boasts seven medals in golf, comprising three gold and four silvers. This achievement is a testament to the rising prominence of Indian golfers on the Asian stage.
India's wait for a golf medal at the Asian Games ended in 2010 when the trio of Rahul Bajaj, Abhijit Singh Chadha, and Rashid Khan, along with Abhinav Lohan, secured silver at the Guangzhou Games. Their victory marked a significant milestone for Indian golf, ending a 13-year medal drought.
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