In the heart of Kolkata, Tollygunge Club, from September 6th to 8th, 2023, the golfing world witnessed a spectacular showdown at the West Bengal State Golf Championship, hosted by the Bengal Golf Association. Among the brilliant young talents who graced the tournament, one name stood out prominently – Amaira Gulati, a little girl who has been rewriting the rules of junior golf.
Her journey into the competitive world of golf began at the remarkable age of 5. In just a short span, she has achieved the unimaginable, conquering 60 golf tournaments and earning herself a coveted spot in the World Championship 2023.
Currently holding the numero uno position in the IGU NorthZone rankings, Amaira’s victory at the USKids Indian Open and the Albatross Tour left golf enthusiasts in awe of her incredible talent. However, it was her triumphant win at the Tolly Open in Kolkata earlier this year that set the stage for her breathtaking performance at the West Bengal State Golf Championship.
Daughter of a serving Army officer, she arrived in Kolkata on the evening of September 5th supposedly for planned practice round on the 6th. However, an unexpected twist awaited them. Due to a sudden change in the tournament schedule, the 6th of September became the first day of the competition. With no practice round under her belt after a day-long journey, Amaira faced a formidable challenge. But as they say, adversity reveals the true character of a champion.
Amaira’s first day at the championship was a test of her mettle. The lack of preparation didn’t deter her spirit; instead, it ignited a fire within her. Every swing of her club was a testament to her unyielding determination. She navigated the challenging course with unwavering focus and precision, showcasing a maturity beyond her years.
Though Amaira did face tough competition and was struggling to find her rhythm. But true champions are defined by how they respond to adversity, and Amaira displayed unparalleled determination.
On the second day of the championship, Amaira rose like a phoenix from the ashes. Her precision on the greens, unyielding focus, and a never-give-up attitude were awe-inspiring. It was as though she had unlocked a reservoir of untapped potential. Every swing of her club was a testament to her unwavering dedication to the sport. As she approached the final holes, the tension was palpable. The audience watched in anticipation, knowing they were witnessing a historic moment. Amaira’s winning putt on the last hole amidst rains sent a thunderous roar through the crowd, marking not only her triumph over the tournament but also her victory over adversity. She was best score among all girls and boys of her age category, redefining the women power.
In Amiaira’s words “I loved playing in kolkata.Tollygunge is International standard golf club and it was amazing to win West Bengal State Championship.”
Report- Pratyusha Mukherjee
(More than a Decade, this Kolkata based Journalist is covering Defence related issues along with Sports. In her illustrated career she has covered many major events and achieved National and International awards for Journalism.)
