Diksha Dagar: A huge honour to represent India

Although this is Diksha Dagar's second appearance at the Summer Olympics, the Indian golfer is no stranger to representing her country on the international stage. She holds the unique distinction of being the only golfer to have competed in both the Olympics and the Deaflympics, winning gold at the 2021 Deaflympics. In addition, she has participated in the Asian Games.

Her experience and success on the international stage make her a formidable competitor as she prepares for Paris 2024.

As the 23-year-old gets ready to tee it up this week, Women & Golf caught up with the Indian golfer, to see what her experiences have been like so far and how she is feeling ahead of the women's Olympic golf competition.

How do you feel ahead of representing India for the second time at the Summer Olympics?

It's the most amazing feeling. One of the main reasons that I turned professional in 2019 was to give myself a chance to represent India at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. I achieved that, and to now be in Paris for my second Olympics is such a huge honour. It’s an incredible feeling to be a part of this most spectacular sporting extravaganza.

How have you been finding the whole Olympic experience in Paris?

I’ve loved it so far. I would have loved to be on the Indian boat during the Opening Ceremony but arrived a couple of days after. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and interact with some of the very best male golfers in the world; I had a great conversation with Rory McIlroy, and said hello to Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele and took some pictures with them!

How does this Olympics differ from when you competed in Tokyo?

As Tokyo was during the pandemic, we didn't see so many spectators. Also, it all happened very quickly for me and I probably didn’t soak it all in. This time feels much more profound, as I have been building up to it nicely and feel well prepared. I also feel more a part of the whole experience.

Have you had the opportunity to play/see Le Golf National yet and if not, when will you?

Le Golf National kindly gave me the opportunity to play this beautiful golf course in June as a preparation practice round. I really like the golf course; quite challenging with the thick rough and quite a bit of water in play. It's going to be interesting playing a tournament here and I can’t wait to get going!

Have you or are you planning to go and watch any other sports whilst you’re staying in the Olympic Village?

I wanted to go and watch a few disciplines, especially the Tennis at Roland Garros, watching the likes of Nadal, Djokovic and Alcaraz would have been awesome. Things inside the Olympic Village are beautiful.

You have represented your country at a number of international events, including the Deaflympics, what does it mean to you to have the opportunity to do that?

I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to represent India at various International Tournaments since I was 15.  Since turning pro, I feel honoured to have been part of almost all major golfing tournaments for India so far. I hope that by winning on the Ladies European Tour and also in the Deaflympics acts as an inspiration for more children to take up the sport. I have been fortunate that my parents supported me in pursuing my passion.

How do you feel ahead of the women’s Olympic golf competition?

I am excited and looking forward to enjoying this once in a four-year opportunity. I will give it my all and hope for the best.

What are you most looking forward to at the 2024 Paris Olympics?

Mixing with thousands of top athletes from around the world and the feel of the Olympic Village is the most unique thing at the Olympics. It feels like all the stars in the sky are coming together to put on a display and performance.

The round one and two tee times have been released - find out the women's Olympic golf competition tee times here. View the full women's Olympic golf competition leaderboard here.