Never imagined I'll get nominated for Arjuna Award, says golfer SSP Chawrasia

New Delhi, Aug 21: Shiv Shankar Prasad Chawrasia did not expect he would finally be selected for the prestigious Arjuna award.

The golfer was en route to Denmark to participate in European Tour golf championship when the announcement came.

During a brief stay at Berlin airport on Sunday (August 20) Chawrasia, in a message told MyKhel, "I never expected I would be selected for such a prestigious award. I used to dream of this award even when I did not start playing golf. I had a picture at my home. That was late SK Jamshid, India's first professional golfer from Kolkata. He had received the award in 1975. I used to watch him in my youth.

"He was struggling with dire financial distress that time. He used to walk beside Royal Calcutta Golf Club course very slowly. I also saw some of the golfers who knew him in Kolkata, and they used to offer him financial aid.

"It was during those days when I came in his sight and after coming to know that I was passionate to play golf, Jamshid Sir patted on my shoulder and gave me his blessings. Today I am getting nostalgic after recalling that incident," added SSP Chawrasia.

The 39-year old golfer has been the 19th Indian player from golf fraternity, and 10th professional Indian golfer, to have received Arjuna award.

Chawrasia, who is also the second Indian golfer after Jeev Milkha Singh to have won four European Circuit tournaments, also revealed that he wants to dedicate this award to his parents and his family members.

Chaowrasia who is presently ranked second in the Asian Tour Order of Merit added further, "I could not have achieved the success whatever I have without the relentless inspiration and encouragement from my parents and other family members.

So, I am dedicating my award to them. At the same time, this award is strengthening my mind to perform better in the coming championship."