Chandigarh, Jan.13 (ANI): Having hogged headlines of sports pages in newspapers for years, golfer Jeev Milkha Singh is today a popular name and has given Indians and especially the Punjabi community a big reason to feel proud.
Son of Milkha Singh, who is known for his success in athletics, the Chandigarh boy Jeev has risen in life on his own.
His father Milkha Singh represented India in the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome and the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. He is nicknamed "The Flying Sikh". He is mentioned as one of the greatest athletes India has ever produced.
Being the first Indian golfer to become a member of the European Tour and for being the highest ranked Indian golfer in the world who first broke into the top 100 in October 2006, Jeev Milkha Singh is the pride of Punjabis.
Talking about his sporting career and its latest developments Jeev said: "I think 2008, personally, was the best of my career so far. The best tournament I played in 2008 would be the Singapore Open because of the depth of the field going head on with Padrik in the same group because, I think, he was the hottest player this year."
"After that Eany and Nikelson would also be there. The depth was fantastic. Golf course was set up great. Taking everything in count, I think I did a good job and I am so happy. That gave me lot of confidence also. After that I would rank 9th place in the P.J Championship. It's a major. First time, I finished 10th in a major championship. I feel if I can do it once, I can do it more often and also better in the future," Singh added. Talking about his career plans in 2009, Jeev said: "Basically I am gonna cut down the tournaments in 2009. My main goal is to get set. I have been injured quite a bit this year. The only way I can stay fit is by cutting down the tournaments. I normally play 37 a year and now I am gonna play about 32 next year. I think that is gonna help me quite a bit."
"If you like five weeks off that makes a lot of difference. You can get more physio-work done and also work a lot on your body too. So my goal is gonna be to get fit, try to focus around the majors and the WGC, play about 12 tournaments in the US about 15-16 in Europe and the rest around the worldm," Jeev added.
Talking about his idea of being in Punjab, Jeev Milkha Singh said: "I miss it when I am abroad. I just love the lifestyle. It's so laid back. Things are easily accessible, no traffic jams. It's fantastic. You got so much to do out here and the practice facilities are fantastic. Whenever I come back I just take it easy but also come to the CGA to practice and go to the golf course to play so it's just keep me busy and it's just fantastic."
"I catch up with my friends. I see everybody I know so it's just a great feeling to be back. I have no routine. It's good to be relaxed and get yourself recharged and get ready for the big tour again," Singh added.
"I think it's the best so far of my career and I feel that I can do better than this. My goal for 2009 is to move into the top 30. I think the higher you get, the tougher it gets for you. And that's what my goal is gonna be. I am gonna try to get into the top 30, have a good performance in the major championships. If you do well in the majors, obviously your world ranking improves. And also I have won every tour in the world, so I would like to win the US tour too," Jeev revealed. By Sunil Sharma (ANI)
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