Anirban Lahiri secures Tokyo Olympics berth

Ace Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri qualified for his second successive Olympic Games by grabbing the last available spot in the final Tokyo Games Rankings for men, published yesterday.

Lahiri has earned a berth to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as he was placed 60th in the Final Olympic Golf Rankings list.

The men's golf event in Tokyo will feature 60 players and will take place from July 29 to August 1 at the Kasumigaseki Country Club.

India was eligible for one spot, and Lahiri, being the best-placed Indian in the latest official world golf rankings at the 340th position, secured a berth for the Olympics.

Best surprise I have got in a while. @Tokyo2020 can't believe I will have the opportunity once again to represent the tricolor. Lahiri tweeted.

“Making it to the Olympics has been a pleasant surprise. It’s a little bit of a shock I would say, as I knew that I hadn’t done enough to qualify for the Olympics. I'm overjoyed, and so is my family. When I was having breakfast this morning, I wasn't in the Olympics, now I am,” a delighted Anirban told PGTI.

He further added, “To be honest, after getting the good news, I had to think about whether I will compete at the Olympics as a lot of other factors are involved, including my full recovery from Covid and my current position on the FedEx Cup standings."

India's Udayan Mane is now a first reserve for several players. If there are withdrawals by some specific players over the next couple of weeks, there is a possibility that Udayan may also earn his berth at Tokyo 2020.