Jeev Milkha Singh, undoubtedly the best golfer India has produced, has played at the highest level of professional golf, the PGA Tour, and was the first Indian golfer to become a member of the European Tour. Jeev, the highest-ranked Indian golfer, was the first Indian to play in the Masters and at one point held five playing privileges. A Padma Shri recipient and a two-time winner of the Asian Tour Order of Merit, Jeev has been a great ambassador for the game and has made Indian golf known around the world.
In an interview with Samikshan Dutta Choudhury of Indian Sports News, Jeev speaks about his plans, the PGTI and the Olympics. Excerpts:
ISN: You did not seem to have a good season last year. What are your plans for the coming season?
Jeev Milkha: This is a brand new year for me. Last year was a slow one, and my aim is to change my thinking. I want to repeat my 2008 performance, move back into the top 100 and eventually into the top 50. I will be concentrating more on Europe and on co-sanctioned events in Asia.
ISN: What actually went wrong for you last year?
Jeev Milkha: Actually, I wasn’t that fit last year and was constantly battling my back problem and other injuries. This year I have hired a personal trainer, and he has given me four exercises, which I am following religiously. Right now I have three weeks off before I go back to the course and start training. I will also cut down on the number of tournaments I play and try to keep myself as fit as possible, because I personally think that only if you are physically fit can you remain mentally fit.
ISN: Having played at the highest level of professional golf, how does it feel to come back to India and play with the players here?
Jeev Milkha: Trust me, Indian golf has improved immensely and the field is very tough. Players like Anirban Lahiri, Himmat Rai and Gaganjeet Bhullar are top-class players who can play anywhere and beat anyone.
ISN: What do you think about India’s prospects at the 2016 Olympics?
Jeev Milkha: We have an excellent chance. First we need to qualify, and there are formalities. I would like to play too, but that depends on whether I qualify or not. The Olympics is a very straightforward format and a matter of one week. So if a player clicks that week, he can certainly run away with it.
ISN: Considering the global financial meltdown, how much do you think golf in the country will be affected?
Jeev Milkha: The way the economy is going, it is going to be a tough year for golf. Hopefully all the big events will get sponsors. In India, top CEOs play golf, so it shouldn’t be that big a problem here, but it is still going to be tough.
ISN: There is a huge debate over who should be awarded the Bharat Ratna. Who do you think should get it, Sachin Tendulkar or Major Dhyan Chand?
Jeev Milkha: I think anyone who has done well for the country should be given the award. Anyone who has excelled in their field, be it a sportsperson, a doctor or someone from the media, should get a Bharat Ratna. If there are two or three people who deserve it, then it should go to all of them. There has to be proper criteria for choosing the awardee, though. This is my personal opinion.
ISN: Are you playing any part in the film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, which is being made on your father’s life?
Jeev Milkha: I am more of a watcher; you can call me a film buff. I will not be playing any role in it, but I have interacted with the team. The people involved are awesome and I have immense respect for Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.
