The country found a champion with a lion's heart as 16-year-old amateur golfer Diksha Dagar created history by bagging the silver medal in the women's individual golf event of Deaflympics.

 

After defeating Germany’s Gonzalez Podbicanin in the semifinals, the golfer from Haryana took on Yost Kaylin for the gold medal. The event was held in Samsun, Turkey.

 

                                   

                                                   Diksha Dagar has carved a niche of her own in the golfing terrain

 

In the gold medal match, Diksha started well and was 3 up after six holes but Kaylin clinched the next three holes with two birdies to level the score after nine holes. In the play-off, Kaylin emerged winner to clinch the gold, while Diksha settled for the silver.

 

After her triumph, 4moles.com exclusively spoke to her father Col Narinder Dagar. Speaking about his daughter's success at individual golf event of Deaflympics, he said, "It was a very tough match. Though Diksha is disappointed that she could not clinch the gold medal, I am extremely happy with her performance. It's definitely a proud moment for all of us." 

 

He stressed on the fact that how Diksha loves the game from a very young age. So, is the young golfer inspired by her father? "It's true that Diksha is closer to me, but she has been inspired by a lot of other sources. I cannot take the credit alone," shares Col Dagar. 

 

"I always tell her only one thing- Live your dream and enjoy every match to the fullest," adds he. 

 

After her stellar performance, a lot of fans flocked to Twitter to congratulate Diksha.

 

 

                                             

                                                                 Proud moment for Diksha as she bags the silver medal

 

Here’s a lowdown of some interesting facts about the talented golfer:

 

• Diksha has been using a hearing aid since she was six. She picked up the game after being introduced to the sport by her father Col Narinder Dagar.
• Interestingly, she was a quick learner and went on to become the No. 1 ranked junior in the country in the amateur ranks. 
• Of the eight tournaments she has participated in at the domestic level, she has won four and finished runner-up in two. She has also taken part in four international meets, including the World Ladies Amateur Golf Championship. 
• Her achievements last year helped her earn a place in the national team for the Usha All India Amateur Golf Championship, which turns 100. She is the only Indian golfer (U-18) to be ranked in the top 500 at global level.