Other Sports

Pranavi Urs Reflects on Historic Asian Games Gold and Olympic Ambitions

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 13, 2026, 00:12 IST

Pranavi Urs, the first Indian woman to win individual golf gold at the Asian Games, discusses her dramatic victory in Aichi-Nagoya, her mental resilience, and her upcoming preparations for the Olympic Games.

Pranavi Urs Reflects on Historic Asian Games Gold and Olympic Ambitions

Pranavi Urs has etched her name into the history books, becoming the first Indian woman to secure an individual gold medal in golf at the Asian Games. The 23-year-old from Karnataka achieved the feat in Aichi-Nagoya, marking only the third time an Indian golfer has claimed individual gold at the continental event, following Lakshman Singh in 1982 and Shiv Kapur in 2002.

The victory was defined by a display of composure under immense pressure, particularly during a dramatic final round that saw the golfer overcome an early triple bogey. Despite the high stakes, Urs remained focused on her process, eventually clinching the title in a finish that she admits was more intense than she initially realised.

A Focused Finish and Mental Resilience

Reflecting on the decisive final hole, Urs revealed that she was so deeply immersed in her game plan that she was unaware she was putting for the gold medal. While marking the scorecard for her competitor, Singapore’s Shannon Tan, Urs had miscalculated the standings and believed she was playing to force a playoff. This intense concentration, she noted, was a result of years of work with her psychologist, which helped her maintain composure after a difficult start to the round.

The early triple bogey, which she attributed to a series of unfortunate bunker placements, served as a turning point. Rather than succumbing to the pressure, Urs embraced the challenge of chasing down the leaders. She credited her experience from the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou and her subsequent time on the Ladies European Tour (LET) for providing the necessary perspective to navigate the high-pressure environment in Japan.

Looking Ahead to the Olympics

With the gold medal secured, Urs is now turning her attention to future goals, including performing on the LPGA tour and competing at the Olympics. She confirmed that her preparation strategy will remain consistent, focusing on continued participation in LET events and refining her statistics with her coach, Steven Giuliano. When asked about the influence of fellow golfer Aditi Ashok, who brought significant attention to the sport in India following her performance at the Tokyo Olympics, Urs expressed deep respect for her senior, stating that she hopes to contribute similarly to the growth of women’s golf in the country.

The victory has not changed her fundamental approach to the game, but it has provided a platform to inspire a new generation of players. As she looks toward the 2028 Olympic cycle, Urs remains committed to the hard work that underpins her success, noting that while she believes in the power of manifestation, it is the daily dedication to her craft that remains the primary driver of her achievements.