Teen golfer Aniket Sawant is all geared up for the international challenge as he will represent India in the US Kids Golf World Championship and Teen World Championship starting July 25 in North Carolina.
The 17-year-old made it into the tournament after winning the qualifying round held last month and will be India's only bet in the championships to be played till August 3.
"I am very proud to represent my country. It will be a tough challenge competing against some of the talented juniors of the world. It's a dream to play in the US. It will be a good platform to showcase my skills and get international exposure," Aniket said.
Coming from an army background, Aniket developed interest in the sport at the age of 12, while his dad was posted in Pune. Since then his love for the sport is on the rise.
"I started off playing golf at the Army golf course in Pune. I am lucky that I come from defence background as one gets to play the sport in the Army courses at nominal cost," Aniket, a student of Sanskriti School, said.
"In the last two-three years I have started taking golf more seriously and thinking of pursuing it as a career."
Studying in class 12th, Aniket hasn't been able to devote enough time to domestic IGU circuit and local tournaments this season but the teenager is confident of good showing.
"I was happy with my performance at the qualifying event in Chandigarh and hoping to deliver the goods in the States. My aim would be to finish in the top-10 of my event," the city-based golfer said.
Players from over 30 countries are expected to participate in the tournament organised by US Kids Golf Foundation. It organises local tours in various part of the world and based on the performances in these events, the finalists are chosen.
Eight others kids, in the age group of 8 to 12, will also be competing at the World Kids Championships at Pinehurst in their respective age-division.
