Asian Games-bound trio Aadil, Rayhan and Harimohan Excited to Play TAKE Solutions Masters
Bengaluru, August 10: The Asian Games-bound trio of Aadil Bedi, Harimohan Singh and Rayhan Thomas are relishing the chance they have got to play alongside the leading stars of the Asian Tour at the ongoing TAKE Solutions Masters this week at the Karnataka Golf Association.
Three of the four members of the Indian team are here this week, with the only one missed being Kshitij Naveed Kaul, who is practising elsewhere.
TAKE Solutions have been champions of Indian golf for over fifteen years. Supporting at the grassroots level is key along with providing opportunities for promising youngsters to develop and showcase their talents. Celebrating their achievements is also of great importance. Mr. Srinivasan H R, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, TAKE Solutions, said, “It gives us great pleasure in promoting grassroots golf. The objective of having youngsters like Aadil (Bedi), Harimohan (Singh) and Rayhan (Thomas) is to give them as much exposure as possible for them to achieve their best and to support the next generation of Indian golfers. It is a matter of great pride for the country and golfing community that these boys will represent India at the Asian Games.”
Jeev Milkha Singh, who represented India back in the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing, said, “These boys have great talent and the maturity to play big events and the fact that they get to play events like the TAKE Solutions Masters gives them a chance to see established professionals and learn from them. I am so happy that sponsors and organisers are welcoming talented amateurs to such events.”
Having had the chance to play at the course, which will host the Asian Games golf competition in Jakarta during a special camp organized by the Sports Ministry for the team, which includes four boys and three girls, the boys are now playing with the professionals.
Grabbing the opportunity, Bedi shot a superb 3-under 68 to get to T-14 after the first day, while Hari Mohan was 2-under 69 and T-28. Rayhan had a disappointing day, and shot 3-over 74.
Six-time winner on Asian Tour and Olympian, SSP Chawrasia, who played the first round with the 17-year-old Bedi, was very impressed by the way the youngster carried himself. “He is focussed and has the game to go a long way. I was very happy to see such a mature head on such a young player,” said Chawrasia.
Bedi himself was happy and said, “I am looking forward to the Asian Games and am enjoying the experience here.”
Thomas said, “It is wonderful to get a chance to play in pro events because they are a great learning ground. I have had chances to play in the Middle East, where my parents are based, but to be able to play in India and represent India is a very emotional experience. I am so thankful to TAKE Solutions for having given us this opportunity.”
Bedi also played the Asian Development Tour (ADT) event last week and finished T-14 with rounds of 70, 67, 73 and 68 as Rahil Gangjee won the event. Harimohan missed the cut.
Thomas, who is Dubai-based, has been playing in US and Scotland and is due to join Oklahoma State University, where he has been selected for a golf scholarship.
Feroz Garewal, who shot 66 and was T-2nd on the first day of TAKE Solutions Masters, and had represented India at the 2014 Asian Games, said, “This Indian team is very solid and could strike a medal. I have seen Aadil play as also the others. They are focussed and very talented.”
