At just 23, Diksha Dagar has already made a name for herself in the world of golf, representing India on both the Deaflympics and Olympic stages. Born with hearing impairment, Diksha’s journey from a young golfer to one of India’s finest female players is a testament to her determination and talent.
Early life and passion for Golf
Born on 14th December 2000, Diksha began wearing hearing aids at the age of six. Her interest in golf started at the age of seven, alongside her brother Yogesh Dagar, who is also deaf.
Under the guidance of her father, Col Narinder Dagar, a former scratch golfer and army officer, Diksha honed her skills. She found inspiration from tennis legend Novak Djokovic and golf icon Tiger Woods, who fuelled her desire to excel.
Shining amateur Career of Diksha Dagar
Diksha Dagar burst onto the amateur golfing scene in 2012, quickly gaining attention with her clean, powerful strokes. By 2015, she became India’s leading amateur golfer and the low amateur at the Hero Women’s Indian Open.
Over the years, she collected numerous wins, including the Singapore Ladies Amateur Open in 2018, and even set a record at the Queen Sirikit Cup with the best-ever score by an Indian.
Deaflympic Success
In 2017, Diksha represented India at the Summer Deaflympics, where golf made its debut. Competing in the women’s individual event, she claimed a silver medal, becoming the first Indian golfer to win a Deaflympic medal. This achievement marked the beginning of her successful journey, setting her apart in the global golfing community.
Professional Breakthrough: 2nd best after Aditi Ashok
Diksha turned professional in 2019 and made history by winning the Investec South African Women’s Open on the Ladies European Tour. At 18, she became the youngest Indian woman to win a Ladies European Tour title, joining Aditi Ashok as one of India’s top female golfers.
Her victory was even more remarkable as she defeated South Africa’s three-time champion Lee-Anne Pace by a single stroke.
Olympic Debut and historic Feat of Diksha Dagar
In 2021, Diksha received a last-minute invitation to participate in the Tokyo Olympics after a South African golfer withdrew. This made her the first golfer to compete in both the Olympics and the Deaflympics, a historic milestone in sports.
Although she didn’t medal at the Tokyo Olympics, her presence on the world’s largest sporting stage was a significant achievement for Indian golf. She then also participated in Paris Olympics.
Deaflympic Gold and Further Achievements
In the 2021 Summer Deaflympics, held in 2022, Diksha added a gold medal to her growing list of accolades by defeating the USA’s Ashlyn Grace in the women’s individual golf event. This win made her the only golfer in Deaflympic history to win two medals since the sport’s introduction.
Challenges Ahead at Indian Open
As the Hero Women’s Indian Open approaches, all eyes are on Diksha. She is set to lead the Indian challenge, aiming to become the first homegrown winner since Aditi Ashok in 2016. Though Diksha has faced a few struggles with form recently, her past performances and resilience have made her one of the top contenders to end India’s wait for another victory at this prestigious event.
Honours and Recognition
Diksha’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she was conferred the prestigious Arjuna Award for her contributions to Indian golf, solidifying her place among India’s sporting elite.
With her sights set on future tournaments and the 2028 LA Olympics, Diksha Dagar’s journey from the Deaflympics to the Olympics is one of resilience, talent, and unwavering determination.
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