Udayan Mane's qualification for the Tokyo Olympics in doubt due to second wave of COVID-19

Udayan Mane, the top-ranked Indian golfer in the Official World Golf Rankings, believes he has little chance of qualifying for the prestigious Tokyo Olympics.

Mane, who was sitting on an almost confirmed berth in the last 14 months, is now placed on the replacement list; and is relying on others to withdraw to have a chance.

Since March 2021, no tournaments have been played due to the second wave of the deadly coronavirus in India. Also, Mane does not have a PGA or European Tour card, which puts his chances of earning points and climbing inside the top-60 in the Olympic qualifiers list in jeopardy.

Mane only holds an Asian Tour card, but the Tour is yet to restart since the pandemic began last February.

“Every day, rather every week, is a bit of a downer because my world ranking is going down, and I am not in the Olympics ranking anymore. It’s hard to digest, but I can’t do anything about it.” - Mane told TOI.

He further added, “Right now, my chances of going to Tokyo are very, very slim. As of now, I’m reserve No. 3.”

“Unless I get a few starts in world ranking events and play well, my chances are as good as over,” said Mane.

The 309th-ranked golfer in the world is still in a growing list of Indians making the Olympics cut, but with travel restrictions and a lack of tournaments, the only option left for them is to wait and watch.