Having turned professional in 2016, Pranavi Urs ended India’s 24-year wait for a gold medal in golf at the Asian Games. She became the first Indian woman to win gold in golf at the Games and also helped the Indian women’s team win its first-ever silver medal.

After a disappointing campaign at the 2023 Asian Games, Pranavi bounced back strongly to create history. Her achievement is an inspiration not only to golfers but also to sportspersons across the country.

Star of Mysore spoke to Pranavi Urs about her golden moment and her road ahead, including the 2028 Olympics. Excerpts:

Star of Mysore (SOM): Congratulations on your big achievement. How does it feel to become the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in golf at the Asian Games?

Pranavi Urs: Thank you so much. It feels good. It is slowly starting to sink in now. Whatever happened on Oct. 3, I am just really proud of myself and excited that I was able to do it for the country.

SOM: After being in the lead, you dropped a couple of places. What happened?

Pranavi Urs: I was obviously nervous before I started. When I dropped a shot on the 3rd, I was very nervous, but I just had to keep everything together. I had trust in my process, stuck to the game plan and stayed in my lane. I just kept focusing on my game on the golf course instead of thinking about my opponents. That is something I had practised with my psychologist and I am so glad it worked in my favour.

SOM: What were you thinking when you hit the last putt? Nervous?

Pranavi Urs: The entire round was stressful. But honestly, I did not know I had won until Shannon (Singapore golfer who won bronze) told me. I was not paying too much attention to leaderboard.

I know people say there are people walking with you and keeping an eye on the leaderboard, but I did not look at it even once. I knew what was happening, but I wasn’t quite sure if I had lead or not.

I was just so zoned-in that I could not really tell whether I had won or it was going to a playoff. But I just knew I had to make that putt either way.

SOM: At the last Asian Games, the team finished fourth and you also did not do well individually. How was your preparation for this edition?

Pranavi Urs: I did not really prepare for it like it was a major golf tournament. I was playing a lot of events. In fact, I had only five days off between my last tournament and the Asian Games.

I had been on the road for quite some time and I think I am a lot more experienced than I was three years ago. I have been playing on the Ladies European Tour (LET), in different conditions, week in and week out and trying to get that win. It is something I am a lot more comfortable with now. I think just playing on the LET and gaining experience there and bringing that experience here to the Asian Games, was helpful.

SOM: Your parents witnessed the historic moment. How did they react?

Pranavi Urs: I am pretty sure they were both very, very nervous. My mom was literally shaking. And I have never seen my dad cry. He did cry. So it was a bit of an emotional roller-coaster. I was very calm and I didn’t even know what was happening at that time.

SOM: Normally, when players win gold at major events, they burst out with emotion. But you were exactly the opposite and remained calm. How was that possible?

Pranavi Urs: As I said, I didn’t know I had won. I was just not trying to focus on what was happening. I really could not think about anything else. Everything just went blank. So I just didn’t know what to do at the time and I still don’t know what I am doing or what happened. I am still kind of speechless.

SOM: IGPL has announced a cash reward of Rs. 1 crore and probably some other associations or the Government may also come out with similar rewards. Do you feel your hard work has paid off?

Pranavi Urs: A hundred percent. Honestly, I have never played for cash rewards. I am just passionate about golf and continue to play because I love the game. I don’t really think about the financial aspects.

But I think it is phenomenal for the game. The recognition golf is getting from what I did on Oct. 3 is unreal. The number of messages I have been receiving on social media is unbelievable. I am glad I could play a part in getting this kind of recognition for the game.

Overall, I am very proud of myself. The last time India won gold was in 2002, when I wasn’t even born. To do it after 24 years, I think it was a long time coming. But I am glad I could be the first one to do it.

SOM: Now that the Asian Games are over, what next?

Pranavi Urs: I definitely want to win on the LET and that is still my number one priority. Hopefully, I get on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour someday and get to compete against the best in the world.

The 2028 Olympics is definitely in my focus, but it is still a couple of years away. I am not thinking too far ahead. I am going to focus on the upcoming events and just take it week by week.

SOM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also congratulated you on your achievement. How does it feel?

Pranavi Urs: It feels good. I think I am just overwhelmed by everything that has happened. I haven’t felt it 100 percent yet. I don’t think it has fully sunk in. I think maybe when I come back to India, it will all hit me. I will get to meet the rest of my family and I think the whole vibe is going to be different in India compared to here.