The elder sister, Deepika Padukone, was seen gracing the red carpet at Cannes and the younger one back home is working her way towards dazzling on the green spreads. Their father, the badminton legend, Prakash Padukone has made sure both his daughters are equally passionate about sports. While Deepika was a badminton player, younger sister Anisha is firming her grip on the clubs. Our young golfer is among those who still admire and consider Tiger Woods an inspiration. “Despite his antics off the course, one cannot overlook the series of implausible performances. He has pulled off some amazing victories. I esteem him as the sportsman of the century.” Anisha has no struggle stories to share with us. She took up golf when she was fourteen and at seventeen she plays the amateur circuit. “Hardships are something I have been sheltered from because of my father whose early initiation to the world of sports and widely earned recognition worked out as a great advantage for me.”True the facilities in India cannot boast of international standards but that says Anisha should not be an excuse for the Indian golfers to not give their game every bit of themselves.

Anisha Padukone,who Center of attraction at ladies golf tournament at Channaiand bagging the honour of longest drive in silver division at the tournament

"My father always teaches me not to complain and make the best use of facilities that are available. As a matter of fact we are fortunate generation. To think of just a few years back availability of golf balls was a rarity. Facilities have improved tremendously in the last five years. We still have a long way to go but there is improvement and I can see the future of Indian golf is in good hands.”

So how is our young golfer shaping up? “It would be difficult to rate my career graph so early in my life. It’s just been three years since I started and am still learning a lot each day. The most memorable victory would be at the 2008 all India tournament where I won the two day stroke play event in the silver division winning in a playoff. That gave me a lot of confidence.”

Golf as far as women are concerned is picking up in India but not well enough put India on the golf world map says Anisha. “Future of all the Indian lady golfers looks very bright compared to what it was some time back. There are some very talented women whose potential have not been realised for some reason. The trend, however, is gradually changing and hopefully we will have some great women golfers on the courses soon.”

Anisha like any normal teenager lives each day and has no grand plans for the future. “My immediate plans for the future are playing well enough to be able to turn pro. Yes, apart from that I would like to contribute to the sport in my way. There are many economically backward talented players who do not get a chance to prove themselves. I want to create awareness among the sponsors about them and help them reach these talented individuals. I would also like more women take up the sport and would be glad to assist any woman/girl who needs guidance.”

Passionate about the sport, young Padukone is upset with the way children are being introduced to it. “I practically live golf and it is upsetting that even before a child can hold a club they are made to enter the world of tournaments.” For a healthy attitude, believes she, it is necessary that they enjoy the time they spend playing golf and look forward to coming back each day.

“There's something about the sport that makes me want to go back and anyone who plays golf will agree with me. It is a wonderful game that builds your character. Before I picked up golf I do not remember being a passionate person and this sport has made me discover that side of me.”

Article from syndicated source