Rising Indian star Gaganjeet Bhullar feels golf’s inclusion in the Olympic schedule is another boost to the global sport.

By Prateek Srivastava

Indian golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar is very happy the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics will, for the second time in Olympic history, have golf on its menu. Bhullar, who has been playing in the Indian Open, feels this news will make golf more important than ever. Golf returns to the Games for the first time since the St Louis Olympics of 1904.

“It is a massive boost to golf. I think Olympic golf can be the most likeable event,” he said. “At the same time I feel that it should have been done much before. Nonetheless, it is great news,” he told Mobile ESPN in an interview at Gurgaon on Saturday.

The 21-year old Bhullar said Indian golfers will now have a chance to make their country proud.

“Golf is an individual event, I mean, people play for themselves. A player’s country never really matters but now players will be able to represent their nation. They will have a shot at an Olympic medal, isn’t that great?” he enthused.

Bhullar made his Major debut in July this year when he played in the British Open, and he hopes to be among the Indians players who will make it to the event in Rio.

“I guess by 2016, I will be playing on European Tour, and I hope I have a good enough ranking to make the event. This will give me a chance to represent my country and do well. I am very excited about it,” said Bhullar.

However, the Kapurthala sensation checked his thoughts when asked whether the Olympic event has the capability to gain more popularity than Majors.

“It is too early to say that. Majors will always be important for players. I do not think their popularity will be lessened by such a great news like this.”

Bhullar is not the only one who is looking dreamy. The whole Indian golf fraternity is keeping him company. “I have spoken to my golfer friends and they all are happy about it,” he said.