Mysuru: Asian Games gold medallist golfer Pranavi S. Urs, who was given a rousing welcome on her arrival in city yesterday, was felicitated by Mysore Race Club (MRC) Ltd. and Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf Club (JWGC) at their respective club premises.

At first, during a felicitation held at MRC, Chairman K.T. Balakrishna felicitated Pranavi Urs and lauded her for the achievement.

Speaking on the occasion, he said, “Pranavi’s achievement was not only praised by people in Karnataka but the entire country.”

Later, MRC Steward G.K. Balakrishnan said that Pranavi, having started her golfing at tender age of 6, had achieved an incredible fete. He also said that Pranavi, who drew an inspiration from the family members who are also involved in sports, was able to win the gold at the Asian Games and wished Pranavi to grow further in golf to emerge as the No. 1 player in the world.

JWGC President H.S. Arun Kumar is seen presenting a memento to Pranavi Urs during the felicitation ceremony held at JWGC premises in city yesterday. Also seen are Indian Golf Union former President Raian F. Irani, JWGC Hon. Treasurer D.V. Sridhar, Committee Member Dr. Soniya Thimmaiah, Hon. Secretary K.S. Sudheer Bhat, Captain K.A. Anil Kumar, Committee Members K.N. Mahadevaswamy, Jacob Thomas Paul, M.S. Dinesh Kumar and Pranavi’s parents Sharath Chandra Urs and Kaivalya Urs.

Balakrishnan also remembered the contributions of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar for visualising a golf course at the MRC during 1906 and Jayachamaraja Wadiyar for patronising the sport during 1940s.

Pranavi’s parents Sharath Chandra Urs and Kaivalya Urs were also felicitated on  the occasion.

Later, Pranavi was also felicitated by JWGC at a separate event held at the club premises in city.

Speaking on the occasion, Cycle Pure Agarbathi Managing Director Arjun Ranga said, “Pranavi Urs had made the optimum utilisation of the given opportunity and encouragement to win a gold in Asian Games.”

“Earlier, people only remembered P.T Usha when referring to the Asian Games in the country. But, now the country will remember Pranavi Urs as well,” he said.

Indian Golf Union (IGU) former President Raian F. Irani, JWGC President Arun Kumar, Captain Anil Kumar, Hon. Treasurer D.V. Sridhar, Committee Members M.S. Dinesh Kumar, Dr. Soniya Thimmaiah, Phalguna V. Urs, K.N. Mahadevaswamy, Jacob Thomas Paul, Pranavi’s parents Sharath Chandra Urs and Kaivalya Urs were present on the occasion.

My next aim is to win gold in Olympics: Pranavi Urs

Speaking to the media persons after receiving the felicitations, Pranavi Urs said that her next goal was to win a gold medal at the 2028 Summer Olympics to be held at Los Angeles, USA.

“I had been practising for 5-6 hours every day which helped to win gold medal at the Asian Games. Along with the practise session, encouragement from my family, coaches and psychologist also played a crucial role. Above all, it is because of my family, which stood by me during difficult times, that I could achieve this fete. It was my mother’s dream to see me standing on the podium with the National Anthem being played at the background. I am happy that I was able to fulfil her dreams. This is not my individual victory, it belongs to everyone,”

‘Golf course is my second home’

“Golf course has been my second home as I spend more time. I cannot forget the encouragement extended from Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) and JGWC. I am also grateful for people who extended their support by watching me play on television,” said Pranavi Urs.

She also thanked the Government of Karnataka, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Dy.CM Dr. G. Parameshwara and various associations for their support.