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Shubhankar Sharma, India's rising golf star, is brimming with confidence as he sets his sights on the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. The 28-year-old, who recently finished tied 19th at the Open Championship, believes a medal is within reach.Sharma's optimism stems from his impressive performance at Royal Troon, where he battled through challenging conditions to secure a top-20 finish. The experience, he says, has put him in an "Olympics mindset.""You could not take any shot for granted at The Open last week," Sharma said. "It was a grind from the first tee shot to the last putt, and that's what I would expect at the Olympics as well."Sharma is also buoyed by his recent form, which includes a top-5 finish at the Italian Open and 15 birdies over the weekend at the Scottish Open. He attributes his improvement to hard work and a renewed focus on his game."I have started seeing the reward for those hours," Sharma said. "I'm looking forward to Le Golf National."The Le Golf National, the venue for the Olympic golf tournament, is known for its challenging layout. Sharma believes his ball-striking ability will be crucial to success there."It can easily separate the boys from men," Sharma said. "You need to be a superior ball-striker to do well there, as you needed to do at Royal Troon."Sharma is aware of the underdog status of the Indian golf team, but he is determined to make a mark."I honestly think the Olympics can create a very different kind of motivation," Sharma said. "I am very aware of what kind of a spotlight a good performance in France by any one of us would put on Indian golf."Sharma will be joined by Gaganjeet Bhullar in the men's event, while Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar will represent India in the women's event. The golf competition at the Tokyo Olympics begins on Thursday, August 1.

Shubhankar Sharma, the Indian golf sensation, has turned the tables on Royal Troon Golf Club after enduring a tumultuous start to The Open Championship. On Saturday, in the third round played under relatively favorable conditions, Sharma unleashed a blistering four-under par 67, significantly improving his position heading into the final round.The conditions were a stark contrast to the relentless battering Sharma faced in the first two rounds. Thursday's rain and wind gave way to Friday's gusts reaching almost 50 kilometers per hour. Sharma's group bore the brunt of the worst weather, but he remained undeterred."I made the most of the conditions today," said Sharma. "I got off to a hot start and hit it really well. I was struggling with energy after yesterday, but I'm happy with my round."Despite the sun's absence, Sharma made hay on the course, producing eight birdies. Royal Troon remained a formidable foe, however, and a double bogey on the 15th hole was the only blemish on his day.Undeterred, Sharma responded with a spectacular 30-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole and another birdie on the 18th following a pinpoint iron shot. He also had a chance on the difficult par-3 17th hole, where his birdie putt from 19 feet shaved the cup."I'm not disappointed with the double bogey," said Sharma. "We just got a bad ruling there. I'm delighted with my score."Sharma's resilience is a testament to his character. He secured his spot at The Open this year with an eighth-place finish at Royal Liverpool last year, where he played a battling final round in heavy rain without making a single bogey."Royal Troon is a much tougher course," said Sharma. "But I'm happy I knuckled down and played well yesterday for a one-over. It makes the birthday celebrations much better than doing it after a missed cut."

Shubhankar Sharma, the 27-year-old Indian golfer, has matured significantly in his approach to the Open Championship. In the past, he would rush to the golf course upon arrival at the venue, eager to practice extensively. However, this year at Royal Troon, he opted for a day of rest, recognizing the importance of preserving his energy for the grueling tournament.Sharma's decision stems from his thorough preparation during an earlier reconnaissance trip in May. He played three practice rounds alongside his coach, Jessie Grewal, gaining valuable insights into the challenging course. This prior knowledge allows him to approach the tournament with confidence and avoid unnecessary exertion.Sharma's recent performance at the Scottish Open also bolsters his optimism. Despite a disappointing triple bogey on the final hole, he displayed impressive form, making six birdies and finishing even-par on Saturday. This performance reinforces his belief that he is playing well and ready for the challenge ahead.During his May visit to Royal Troon, Sharma had the privilege of interacting with legendary golfer Tom Watson, who was hosting a clinic for Mastercard clients. Sharma was inspired by Watson's presence and the opportunity to play a hole with him.Sharma acknowledges the formidable nature of Royal Troon, particularly the relentless back nine that plays into headwinds. He emphasizes the importance of accurate ball-striking and precise tee shots to navigate the course successfully.Sharma's opening round on Thursday will see him paired with Matteo Manassero of Italy and Sebastian Soderberg of Sweden. He is confident in his preparation and eager to showcase his skills on one of the toughest golf courses in the Open rota.

Indian golf is set to make a grand debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with leading professionals Shubhankar Sharma and Gaganjeet Bhullar poised to represent the nation. Ranked 47th and 52nd respectively on the Olympic Golf Rankings, the duo is expected to secure their spots among the 60 elite golfers teeing off at the prestigious Le Golf National on August 1.Bolstered by the unwavering support of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports' Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Sharma and Bhullar are confident in maintaining their high rankings and qualifying for the Games. Sharma, recently upgraded to the TOPS Core group, expressed his gratitude for the government's initiative, acknowledging the unique financial challenges faced by golfers."TOPS is a remarkable program that empowers athletes representing India at the highest level," Sharma said. "Golf involves significant expenses, so any support from the government is invaluable. I am determined to meet the nation's expectations and give my all in the Olympics."The financial assistance provided by TOPS will cover Sharma's participation in nine DP World Tour events, two Major championships (the United States Open and British Open), coaching fees, physiotherapy and dietetic services, travel expenses, and living allowances.Sharma has meticulously planned his preparation for the Olympics, following a rigorous schedule. "I am content with my progress and confident in my abilities," he said. "It's not about overcoming challenges but about executing a flawless week. I am optimistic about our chances."Sharma holds immense respect for his senior on the professional circuit, Gaganjeet Bhullar. "Gagan is a champion, and I admire his winning mindset," Sharma said. "Together, we can inspire each other to bring glory to India in Paris."Bhullar, an 11-time Asian Tour champion and 2006 Asian Games silver medalist, is equally eager to excel in Paris. "Being included in TOPS is an honor," Bhullar said. "While I have received support from sponsors, there are still areas that need strengthening. I plan to enhance my team with a psychologist, caddie, and fitness coach.""Shubhankar is younger, but I have witnessed his talent firsthand," Bhullar added. "We are both excited for our Olympic debut. Golf is unpredictable, and a few exceptional rounds can significantly impact the outcome."With the support of TOPS and their unwavering determination, Shubhankar Sharma and Gaganjeet Bhullar are poised to make history as India's first Olympic golfers. Their journey to Paris 2024 is a testament to their talent, hard work, and the unwavering support of the Indian government.

Indian golfer Shubhankar Sharma displayed resilience on Friday, making the cut at the Volvo China Open in Beijing despite a challenging second round. The 27-year-old carded a one-over 73, bringing his total score to five-under for 36 holes.Sharma's round started promisingly with a birdie on the ninth hole. However, he encountered setbacks on the back nine, dropping shots on the 12th and 14th holes. Despite these setbacks, Sharma remained composed and finished the day in a tie for 32nd place.Fellow Indian golfer Om Prakash, who had a promising start with a 70 on the first day, faltered in the second round. He carded a two-over 75, missing the cut by a narrow margin. Prakash's round was marred by a double bogey, two bogeys, and two birdies.At the top of the leaderboard, Sebastian Soderberg continued his impressive form. The Swede shot a blistering seven-under 65, propelled by six birdies on the back nine. Soderberg now holds a commanding three-shot lead over England's Paul Warring, who is at 13-under. Italian Guido Migliozzi is in third place at 12-under.Sharma's performance at the Volvo China Open is a testament to his determination and skill. Despite facing challenges, he managed to make the cut and remains in contention for a top finish. The tournament concludes on Sunday, and Sharma will be hoping to continue his strong play and secure a podium spot.

Shubhankar Sharma, the 27-year-old Indian golfer, is poised to make a strong run at the upcoming Indian Open, a tournament he considers the "fifth major." Sharma, who finished tied seventh in the 2018 edition, is hoping to end India's 15-year drought without a homegrown winner.Sharma's confidence stems from his recent form, which includes a tied-second finish in Singapore. He believes the parallels between his current situation and his performance in 2018 provide him with a sense of hope and belief.Over the past six years, Sharma has matured both as a golfer and as a person. His game has become more refined, his tee shots have become longer and sharper, and his training regimen has become more regimented. However, some things have remained constant, such as his love for the Gurugram course, which he considers his second home.Sharma acknowledges that the Indian Open is a challenging course, with thick roughs and narrow fairways. He emphasizes the importance of hitting the fairway and executing precise approach shots. Despite the difficulty of the course, Sharma believes that local knowledge will give him an advantage.The field for the Indian Open is strong, with the likes of Gaganjeet Bhullar and Anirban Lahiri also in contention. However, Sharma is confident that he can be one of the Indians to challenge for the title."It is one of the strongest Indian fields ever assembled at the Indian Open," Sharma said. "While we have not had an Indian winner for some time, I think this weekend, we will surely have a few in contention. I certainly want to be one of those."