The Hindu : Sport : Let's host the Games well: Randhawa

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Let's host the Games well: Randhawa

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: “It's shameful,” was how Jyoti Randhawa chose to describe the seemingly never-ending allegations of corruption surrounding the upcoming Commonwealth Games in the Capital.

“We could have projected India in a different light to the world. We still have time and let's hope in the remaining month and a half, we are able to do the needful and host the Games well.

“In golf, corruption is very rare. I don't think sports and corruption go together. It is really a shame,” said a clearly hurt Randhawa here on Friday during a function to announce LG's association with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).

Anirban Lahiri, another rising professional on Asian and domestic Tours, said, “I am really not aware of the details but it is indeed very unfortunate. Hope things get better,” said the soft-spoken Lahiri.

In a season when the leading Indian golfers are struggling to put together four rounds of good golf, Randhawa is looking for an improved performance in the remainder of the season to save his card on the European Tour. On the other hand, Lahiri will be playing more on the Asian Tour in search for his maiden title.

The duo will be among the Indian challengers, including C. Muniyappa and Shiv Kapur and Gaganjeet Bhullar, at the 2000 Euros Omega European Masters at Crans Montana, Switzerland, from September 2 to 5.

Waiting patiently

Randhawa admitted, “I've been struggling with my game this season. When you make certain changes in your game, you somehow don't trust them under pressure. That's what is happening with me.

“Suddenly, say, for two holes, you tend to go back to your old game and it's all gone. I am patiently waiting for things to work out well.”

Lahiri, with best finish on the Asian Tour this year being the 8th place finish at the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters, is due to play for seven weeks on the trot beginning with the European Masters.

A professional since 2007 and armed with four victories on the PGTI, Lahiri has worked hard on the technical and mental aspect of the game in the past year.

“Whenever I get to play on the tougher tours, I want to feel that I belong there. This season, I plan to do well and win in Asia.

“I am playing in Switzerland, Singapore, then one event on the Japanese Tour before playing in Chinese Taipei and a few more on the Asian Tour in the coming weeks. This season, I also want to play a few PGTI events, including the DLF Masters,” he added.

Earlier, the PGTI's official technology partner LG announced that it would be the title-sponsor of the season-ending Rs. one crore Tour Championship and the Rs. 50 lakh Pro-am “Race to Ireland” besides being the partner sponsor of the €1.5 million 2011 Avantha Masters, a tri-sanctioned event.

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