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Off the Course: Martial Arts, PS4 and nephew keeping golfer Rashid busy

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Press Trust of India New Delhi

His eyes were transfixed on Tokyo 2020 but all India's top ranked golfer Rashid Khan is practice martial arts to keep himself fit and use precision of his fingers at Play Station as wrists are at rest for time being.

And yes, playing with his 15-month nephew which is the best part of being at home in wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

"I am busy with PS4, fitness through martial arts (I follow Billy Blanks on YouTube) and then there is my nephew, who is just 15 months. This takes up a good part of my day," Rashid said when asked how he is adjusting to a life beyond suitcases and hotel rooms.

 

Sure he does miss going out to play at the course or competing at events, but admits that "it's is not in our hands."

"Golf is not like other games, but the key is to stay strong mentally and to stay fit. That's what I am doing. Anyway, I have not been the kind to practice on the course each and every day."

There is no clarity on the Olympics.

"No one is sure about the situation, but I am keeping myself mentally ready for the Olympics and the events in the run up," said Rashid

On how he is keeping fit, he added, "Billy Blanks is good. What he does is called, Tae Bo and it is a total martial art technique and helps total body fitness with martial arts. He has thousands of followers from all over."

As for staying strong mentally, he adds, "There is nothing more relaxing than playing with my 15-month old nephew and he is a delight. I love that time. When I am on Tour, I have no time for these things, so might as well make the most of it now."

Rashid, whose last event was the Bandar Malaysia Open, where he was T-31, has played three events in 2020 on Asian Tour and has two Top-10s sixth in Hong Kong and T-8 in Singapore Open, both having been held in January.

"I feel the Asian Tour was absolutely right in cancelling or postponing many events and the Tour has been giving us the information on that," he said.

"The safety and health of the players cannot be compromised and we need to be aware of the current situation."

For the present, the Asian Tour has either cancelled or postponed events till the end of April. Many of the events will be re-scheduled when the situation improves.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

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First Published: Mar 20 2020 | 3:22 PM IST

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