Shiksha Jain is only 13 but is already a junior Golf champion. The girl from Jaipur, Rajasthan has competed in over 80 tournaments and has represented India on the global stage. Shiksha believes that golf has always been more than just trophies and titles. For her, the sport is about discipline and resilience. She dares to compete at the Commonwealth Games and at the Olympics one day
Beyond her golfing pursuits, she firmly believes in inspiring the next generation of golfers. She is always open to share her knowledge and provide support to fellow golfers. The teenager believes that anything pursued with focus and determination can be achieved.
In an exclusive interview to The Sportz Planet Shiksha shared her journey in Golf, her strengths, her dreams and much more.
What inspired you to start playing Golf?
Shiksha Jain: Honestly, it just started out as fun. I was seven when I first went to the golf course. The calmness of the golf course, the focus that the game required just drew me in. I used to practice for hours on the range. I used to hit balls. It was something that I really wanted to be good at.
So do you watch or follow Golf on TV or consume Golf-related content on social media?
Shiksha Jain: Yes I do. I watch LPGA events. I follow Aditi Ashok, Lydia Ko, Anirban Lahiri and Shubhankar Sharma.
Who started training you in Golf?
Shiksha Jain: I started training with a local coach in Rambhag itself. And two years ago I started training under Jessy Gerewal. He is a Dronayachara awardee. He helped me shape my game and pushed me to train like a professional.
Do you have any role models in sports?
Shiksha Jain: I really admire Neeraj Chopra. I like him for how grounded he is even after achieving so much. In golf I admire Aditi Ashok.
Golf is an expensive sport. How are you sustaining yourself in the sport? Are you getting sponsorship to keep pursing the sport?
Shiksha Jain: Yes Golf is expensive. The costs involve traveling, equipment, training. We have started to get sponsorships but we are looking for more partnerships. My mom and dad take care of the sponsorship part.
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How do you balance your studies and your sports?
Shiksha Jain: I attend school. But it is difficult. I study everyday after my training.
Do you wish to pursue a degree?
Shiksha Jain: Yes I do wish to have a degree. I wish to study sports psychology or business. But I want to study something that will keep me connected to sports.
In your Linkedin profile you have mentioned that you suffered an injury and took a long time for you to overcome it. What was it?
Shiksha Jain: Yes, I had a shoulder injury that took a long while to heal. At first it was really hard for me. But then I utilized the time to improve my focus, visualization, patience, as that are really important in golf. And my recovery taught me that we should always listen to our body and never rush. I came back stronger!
You have described your mother as your “caddy”!
Shiksha Jain: My mother and father have been everything for me. They are like caddy, coach, travel partner, manager, everything! My mom carries me a bag while I am practicing. She also studies my game. My dad looks up to my schedule.My mom and dad are behind every shot that I play.
You are just starting your journey as a golfer. But from your experience, can you tell how can India improve in golf?
Shiksha Jain: We need more public golf courses. Most of the golf courses are private and expensive.Also, if schools can have golf as a sport like cricket and football it will be helpful.
You dream of representing India at the Commonwealth Games and at the Olympics. What are your plans to achieve those goals?
Shiksha Jain: I have like mapped out a plan. In 2025, I am dominating national juniors. I practice hours and hours daily. I focus on my fitness and my goal to come in world’s top 50 by 2027.
An an athlete what is your biggest strength?
Shiksha Jain: Discipline is my biggest strength. I show up at the golf course regularly. I have practiced on tough grinding days when the temperature was around 45°C.
How do you think you can become a better golfer?
Shiksha Jain: I think skill wise I can improve in my putting.
You have been lucky that your parents have supported you in pursuing your dream to play golf. Many young girls want to play sport but they are not able to! What would be your message to them so that they get inspired to become athletes?
Shiksha Jain: I would say that don’t wait for the perfect setup. Just start with whatever you have. You don’t need fancy clubs or big names behind you. Just show up every day. Focus. I mean, trust yourself.Yeah. And always speak up for yourself. You can definitely do
Prakhar Sachdeo
The Sportz Planet Desk
Watch the complete interview below
