'Big suprise' says Anirban Lahiri after qualifying for 2020 Tokyo Olympics

The 33-year-old qualified for a second straight Olympic games.

India’s Anirban Lahiri has accepted with open arms a second opportunity to compete at the Tokyo Olympics next month. It is his duty to represent the sport and his nation, said Lahiri.

He was ranked 60th and was the final qualifier in the list published by the International Golf Federation on Tuesday. But Anirban Lahiri, 33, will head to Japan with confidence he can challenge for a medal for India.

“It was a big surprise, I wasn’t expecting it. Even though I’ve earned it, it doesn't really feel like I’ve really earned it. I know how far below my potential I’ve played this year. It’s a gift and an opportunity, so why would I throw it away,” said Anirban Lahiri. He is currently preparing for this week’s PGA TOUR stop at the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands, Connecticut.

Anirban Lahiri wants to make a difference at Tokyo

“I know what it is to be an Olympian as I’ve done it before (in Rio) and I don’t want to be just an Olympian. I want to win a medal. Want to do something that makes a difference and I know winning a PGA TOUR will do that but winning a medal would do even more. I do have a certain responsibility towards the game and my country.”

After news emerged he had squeezed into the top-60 list following several 11th hour withdrawals, Lahiri was inundated with well-wishes and messages from fellow golfers and friends from back home.

The former Asian no. 1 finished a lowly 57th in Rio while playing with an injury. But he showed signs of some good form following a recent tied 25th finish at the Palmetto Championship at Congaree. Lahiri is now optimistic of his chances at Kasumigaseki Country Club from July 29 to August 1.

He knows a medal of any colour will go a long way to further promote golf in India.

Good wishes from fellow golfer and friends

“I’ve gotten so many messages from kids, who are playing the game now, saying ‘We’re so glad you’re in, we’ve always looked up to you and go make us proud.’ Everybody has different motivations as to why they do this for a living and a large part is supporting yourself, family and personal achievements.

"There’s also a huge aspect for me personally, which comes from everything I’ve gotten from the sport. All the love and support I’ve got from my country. I’m thrilled and excited. It is definitely something I wanted to do,” said Lahiri.

“When I first found out, I called my wife and asked what do I want to do now. I told her how can I not go? How can I not represent my country in the biggest sporting event in the world? This is why I play the game … and to have the opportunity to represent your country and not just the representation as I feel like I’m playing really well. I feel I’m close to playing my best golf right now and for a lot of reasons, it makes sense for me. It means everything for me to go.”

What's next for the golfer

Lahiri is currently 118th on the FedExCup rankings. He is fighting to stay inside the top-125 to qualify for the lucrative FedExCup Playoffs in August. More importantly, Lahri is hopeful of retaining his TOUR card for next season. He has featured on the PGA TOUR since 2016.

This week, he will make his fourth appearance at the Travelers Championship, with a tied ninth in 2018 and a share of 17th place in 2017 being his best results. “I still have a lot of opportunities including this week to do what I need to do on TOUR (to qualify for the FedExCup Playoffs),” he said.

“It’s been a pretty tough year for me. I got off to a good start in the fall and lost the momentum in the West coast and started building back up and playing well with a good week in Texas (T5) and then I had Covid and had it pretty bad for four weeks,” he said.

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