Should dare think they can overturn the islamic republic, as Anti Government protests enter a fifth week. Crowds have again filled the streets of zahedan, the city where dozens of people were reportedly killed by the security forces. Now on bbc news, the rise of womens golf in india. I felt ifelt in i felt in love with parting when i was five and a half stopping my teacher wasnt very happy that i would takes a much leave from school to play tournaments. I leave from school to play tournaments. Leave from school to play tournaments. , tournaments. I was lost in the moment. Tournaments. I was lost in the moment. Oh tournaments. I was lost in the moment. Oh my tournaments. I was lost in the moment, oh my god, tournaments. I was lost in the moment, oh my god, is tournaments. I was lost in the moment, oh my god, is it tournaments. I was lost in the i moment, oh my god, is it real . Multiple indian winners in ten years. Multiple indian winners in ten ears. , , multiple indian winners in ten ears. ,~ multiple indian winners in ten ears. I. ,. , multiple indian winners in ten ears. ,~ . , years. Accessibility to golf as a challenge years. Accessibility to golf as a challenge and years. Accessibility to golf as a challenge and not years. Accessibility to golf as a challenge and notjust years. Accessibility to golf as a challenge and notjust in i a challenge and notjust in india a challenge and not ust in india. ,. , a challenge and not ust in india. f. , ~ , a challenge and not ust in india. in. , ~ , a, india. 40 5096 of the kids that a train are india. 40 5096 of the kids that a train are golf, india. 40 5096 of the kids that a train are golf, parents india. 40 5096 of the kids that a train are golf, parents are a train are golf, parents are highly encouraging their children. Highly encouraging their children. G ,. , children. My goal is to win the gi mics children. My goal is to win the olympics and children. My goal is to win the olympics and a children. My goal is to win the olympics and a pga children. My goal is to win the olympics and a pga us children. My goal is to win the olympics and a pga us open. | children. My goal is to win the i olympics and a pga us open. It olympics and a pga us open. [it hasnt olympics and a pga us open. It hasnt always been this way for female golfers in india. Amateur status went hand in hand with picking up the sport. Professionalism was unheard of in Indian Womens golf for the most part of the previous century. It finally came less than two decades ago and that was thanks to the vision and persistence of a view. I vision and persistence of a view. ,. ,. ,. ,. View. I saw a lot of golf which was traditional view. I saw a lot of golf which was traditional and view. I saw a lot of golf which was traditional and i view. I saw a lot of golf which was traditional and i was was traditional and i was determined to change the mindset. I needed to put in a lot more innovation, break away from the old thinking. From the old thinking. Earlier it is to be from the old thinking. Earlier it is to be just from the old thinking. Earlier it is to be just participation. It is to be just participation liy it is to be just participation by a it is to be just participation by a few it is to be just participation by a few stopping now you have seen by a few stopping now you have seen the by a few stopping now you have seen the mindset is changing, they seen the mindset is changing, they are seen the mindset is changing, they are wanting to win and more they are wanting to win and more number of them. Think success within more number of them. Think success within your more number of them. Think success within your own success within your own country. Success within your own country. Your success within your own country, your own success within your own country, your own colleagues also country, your own colleagues also inspires country, your own colleagues also inspires you country, your own colleagues also inspires you to country, your own colleagues also inspires you to continuel also inspires you to continue driving also inspires you to continue driving and also inspires you to continue driving and that also inspires you to continue driving and that is also inspires you to continue driving and that is hugely. Driving and that is hugely important driving and that is hugely important to driving and that is hugely important to have driving and that is hugely important to have those i driving and that is hugely. Important to have those role models important to have those role models for important to have those role models for those important to have those role models for those players important to have those role i models for those players that are coming models for those players that are coming through. It was not clear when golf made the exact entry into india but a credible year would be 1829. That was the year when the Royal Golf Club was established by the british. By 1891, the wife of the viscera of British India and lady fraser had overseen the creation of a 9 hole course exclusively for the women. It was the calcutta ladies golf club. 1970 as a Landmark Yearfor indian Landmark Year for Indian Womens Landmark Yearfor Indian Womens golf. In Landmark Year for Indian Womens golf. Landmark year for Indian Womens golf. Landmark year for Indian Womensrolf. I . , womens golf. In 1970, after we had held the womens golf. In 1970, after we had held the all womens golf. In 1970, after we had held the all india womens golf. In 1970, after we had held the all india ladies had held the all india ladies for so many years, this woman also won the national is in tennis and swimming. My father, also a general in the army and the Chief Of Staff and are used to be the caddy for them. I used to actually go and look for golf balls in the little river that used to flow, hoping that some player dropped their golf balls in there. And i remember the time when i used to go home soaking wet and my dad used to say all right, you come home and all you are going to get as inaudible in the midst of all this was Cemetery Mera who would be the torchbearer of golf. Smriti mehra. She had big dreams and was willing to work for them. We had no teachers, my mother gave me a book, it was called the five fundamentals of golf and that is pretty much how i got on the lpg tour, had never taken a golf lesson before i got onto a. My ego was just so big at that time because when i left india she said i want you to fail so that when you come back can get you married. And i was like, i will do everything in my power to make sure that you cry on the phone to call me back. That was the best thing she ever did. She ever did. Then came the inflection she ever did. Then came the Inflection Point she ever did. Then came the Inflection Point in she ever did. Then came the Inflection Point in indian Inflection Point in indian golf. Smriti mehra decided to play her part to make professional golf a reality and india. I professional golf a reality and india. , ,. , india. I love my country, to the point india. I love my country, to the point grey india. I love my country, to the point grey gave india. I love my country, to the point grey gave a the point grey gave a green card to come back, that is a massive sacrifice to make. I was playing full time on the lpga and flying back to india to play on the indian events otherwise we would get zero media coverage. Otherwise we would get zero media coverage. Pretty much settin media coverage. Pretty much setting pp media coverage. Pretty much setting up the media coverage. Pretty much setting up the little media coverage. Pretty much setting up the Little Office setting up the Little Office and setting up the Little Office and whatever we could do, it was and whatever we could do, it was on and whatever we could do, it was on a and whatever we could do, it was on a shoestring budget. We didnt was on a shoestring budget. We didnt have expensive marketing people. Didnt have expensive marketing people, we didnt have executives to help. I was so passionate about doing, id just passionate about doing, id just wanted it done. Simple. Slowly just wanted it done. Simple. Slowly but steadily, the numbers grew. The indian tour has between 40 50 active professionals. They are being chased by another generation, all amateurs. Titles have been won, sponsors have begun to take interest in the globetrotting Women Trailblazers and at the heart of it all is the womens indian open, the Showcase Event held every year on the course just outside new delhi. Covid has ruled out the laughter the tournament but now it is back and ready to welcome the world. It is back and ready to welcome the world it is back and ready to welcome the world. , the world. And there was always an interesting the world. And there was always an interesting market the world. And there was always an interesting market from the world. And there was always an interesting market from the i an interesting market from the first time we went over ten years ago now. We only had one Memberfrom India but the years ago now. We only had one member from india but the wga was extremely active about wanting to go the game and especially the womens game and now that we find we have 12 members with a lot of success. Let is also playing a very vital role when it goes there and we have the hero of the mens open so it has given a lot of visibility there in india and more number of girls especially are coming to this game. Just playing in india, that was primarily for fun but if we are looking at a career and as a profession, then the let has opened doors for all these girls and Making A Living and profession out of it. Than and profession out of it. An interesting and profession out of it. In interesting facet of our collaboration was to start a development programme. Every year we bring a group of 15, 2o year we bring a group of 15, 20 young girls to the tournament and they get introduced to the players, they do clinics but also behind the scenes. They look at recording and different aspect of the operational side of the tournament too so it is not only about getting players into the game but also into the industry. Into the game but also into the indust. �. ,. , industry. Ive volunteered for the indian industry. Ive volunteered for the indian open industry. Ive volunteered for the indian open a industry. Ive volunteered for the indian open a few industry. Ive volunteered for the indian open a few years i the indian open a few years after the indian open a few years after i the indian open a few years after i started playing and i think after i started playing and i think that was the year that laura think that was the year that laura davies won. It was really special laura davies won. It was really special to laura davies won. It was really special to be there and you have special to be there and you have heard so much about someone who is a legendary in the water someone who is a legendary in the water and then for her to id the water and then for her to go and the water and then for her to go and when that week i head never go and when that week i head never seen anything like it, i head never seen anything like it, i head never seen a womens event of such head never seen a womens event of such a head never seen a womens event of such a big scale happened before of such a big scale happened before. It made me realise that it was before. It made me realise that it was something that was actually possible to do. Since becoming actually possible to do. Since becoming a actually possible to do. Since becoming a ladies actually possible to do. Since becoming a ladies european l actually possible to do. Since becoming a ladies European Tour eventin becoming a ladies European Tour event in 2010, almost 100 hundred players have taken part in the womens indian open but the standout performance came in 2016. At 18 years of age, she conquered the field and she made the front page news all over the country. Over the country. Even as an amateur over the country. Even as an amateur i over the country. Even as an amateur i play over the country. Even as an amateur i play when over the country. Even as an amateur i play when it over the country. Even as an amateur i play when it was i over the country. Even as an | amateur i play when it was 18 and that gave me a benchmark of how good my game was and how much better to be too when on tour and i much better to be too when on tourand i think much better to be too when on tour and i think those things help when you are in india and is not that many big tour events around you. It was important for me i feel to win that tournament because growing up that tournament because growing up they had played in that event and had always had winners every single year and i head never seen an indian girl actually when that tournament so just to be able to put my name on the trophy meant a lot. Obviously every win is a special but that one being in india means more. Special but that one being in india means more. Aditi chauhan has set the india means more. Aditi chauhan has set the bar india means more. Aditi chauhan has set the bar for india means more. Aditi chauhan has set the bar for womens has set the bar for womens golf winning two more let titles and claiming alg p8 tour card. She plays alongside the worlds best women golfers. At the tokyo olympics, the indian public were treated to a masterclass as Aditi Chauhan claimed the leaderboard with some amazing parting. With a metal on the line she fell agonisingly short, missing the bronze medal by one stroke as the world number one picked up the world number one picked up the gold medal. It the world number one picked up the gold medal. The gold medal. It was a great week, obviously the gold medal. It was a great week, obviously my the gold medal. It was a great week, obviously my second i week, obviously my second olympics and ive played really amazing, it was so good to see so many indians who had never followed golf watch golf that one morning on those final two days which was great. It was not what i expected because i was just trying to play a Golf Tournament but it turned out to be a fun week. I tournament but it turned out to be a fun week. Be a fun week. I was absolutely blown away be a fun week. I was absolutely blown away by be a fun week. I was absolutely blown away by her be a fun week. I was absolutely blown away by her parting. Be a fun week. I was absolutely blown away by her parting. I. Blown away by her parting. I dont blown away by her parting. I dont think even to this day i have dont think even to this day i have played with someone who has hold have played with someone who has hold so many parts and if they has hold so many parts and if they didnt go when they looked like they they didnt go when they looked like they were going to go in, its phenomenal. One thing really its phenomenal. One thing really like is her short game, her Parting Skills as tremendous, good, and even the world tremendous, good, and even the world number one complemented her. ~ � world number one complemented her. ~. ,. ,. , her. With Aditi Chauhan at the to of her. With Aditi Chauhan at the top of the her. With Aditi Chauhan at the top of the pyramid, her. With Aditi Chauhan at the top of the pyramid, the her. With Aditi Chauhan at the | top of the pyramid, the hunger for titles and world ranking points continued with great speed. Diksha dagarwas points continued with great speed. Diksha dagar was also 18 when she won her middle title on the circuit in 2019. I started playing golf when it was six years old with my brother. I was involved in many sports like tennis, swimming, horseriding, and a really liked golf. Yes, golf is the one for me. ,. ,. , me. Her father, who is also her coach and me. Her father, who is also her coach and katie, me. Her father, who is also her coach and katie, is me. Her father, who is also her coach and katie, is a me. Her father, who is also her coach and katie, is a colonel i coach and katie, is a colonel in the indian army but he is totally dedicated to his daughters golfing career. Diksha was born hearing impaired but she won a silver medal and upgraded that to a gold in 2022. She silver medal and upgraded that to a gold in 2022. To a gold in 2022. She could have done to a gold in 2022. She could have done any to a gold in 2022. She could have done any of to a gold in 2022. She could have done any of the to a gold in 2022. She could i have done any of the activities that she took on but golf because it is a more Holistic Life and at, travel and a lot of other good things. So i also kind of channelled her into golf. Of course that is so wonderful, you are representing your country at the level of olympics and olympics, people are taking inspiration and more number of them, i guess than you would be seeing in coming years playing as professionals and let and lpg. I years playing as professionals and let and lpg. Years playing as professionals and let and lpg. I wasnt that hunt i and let and lpg. I wasnt that hungry i wanted and let and lpg. I wasnt that hungry i wanted to and let and lpg. I wasnt that hungry i wanted to win and let and lpg. I wasnt that hungry i wanted to win the i hungry i wanted to win the ladies hungry i wanted to win the ladies European Tour, inaudible ~ i inaudible. I played very good golf and a happened to be won, isnt it too soon . Happened to be won, isnt it too soon . That was my first professional start and everyone was congratulating me, you played was congratulating me, you played good golf, that was amazing performance. Men tourin amazing performance. Men touring these amazing performance. Men touring these players i amazing performance. Men touring these players is i touring these players is essential, the Support Network is crucial. So what assistance can be provided for the stars of tomorrow. The teenagers who are aiming forthe of tomorrow. The teenagers who are aiming for the top. This woman takes her role with the new generation very seriously you must carry your own bags and think for yourself, otherwise what happens . Somebody else is playing the game for you. You develop fantastic deception by doing things yourself. Take your dog for a walk, go to the garden, see the trees, see the plants, do some Gardening Work apply yourself in different areas so that it yourself in different areas so thatitis yourself in different areas so that it is your mind you are developing and your mind that is thinking. Developing and your mind that is thinking is thinking. No, come on, thats a is thinking. No, come on, thats a good is thinking. No, come on, thats a good one is thinking. No, come on, thats a good one you i is thinking. No, come on, i thats a good one you have to be hunger thats a good one you have to be hunger driven thats a good one you have to be hunger driven to thats a good one you have to be hunger driven to be thats a good one you have to be hunger driven to be able i thats a good one you have to be hunger driven to be able to | be hunger driven to be able to compete and to be able to understand what it means to have, you know, hold a trophy in your hand and be able to contribute. Ive seen over the years and girls playing on the professional golf torah, they paid for their colleges, they contributed to home life, they contributed to home life, they contributed and many different ways because this type of things are crucial. Things are crucial. From playing things are crucial. From playing in things are crucial. From playing in the things are crucial. From playing in the sand i things are crucial. From playing in the sand in i things are crucial. From i playing in the sand in the bunker of her first visit to a golf course, these sisters have come a long way, winning eight titles between them on the domestic womens sport to is a great Stepping Stone to europe and beyond. I great Stepping Stone to europe and beyond and beyond. I chose golf because and beyond. I chose golf because we and beyond. I chose golf because we didnt i and beyond. I chose golf because we didnt have i and beyond. I chose golf i because we didnt have many outlets. The first time we went to a golf course, we went there and it was so green and everything and there were birds and squirrels and rabbits and dogs and we were fascinated in the beginning. Irate dogs and we were fascinated in the beginning the beginning. We didnt really think about the beginning. We didnt really think about as the beginning. We didnt really think about as competitors, i the beginning. We didnt really| think about as competitors, we were think about as competitors, we were just think about as competitors, we were just sisters. We were just saying were just sisters. We were just saying things like, on the 14th hole. Saying things like, on the 14th hole. Do saying things like, on the 14th hole, do something else. We were hole, do something else. We were just hole, do something else. We were just sisters, but in those four were just sisters, but in those four hours. Were just sisters, but in those four hours, yes, we were players four hours, yes, we were players four hours, yes, we were la ers. ,. , players. Our first event was a oneday players. Our first event was a oneday event. Players. Our first event was a oneday event. Our players. Our first event was a oneday event. Our mother i players. Our first event was a i oneday event. Our mother woke one day event. Our mother woke up one day event. Our mother woke up early in the morning and she had to drive us and i remember waking up in Pitch Darkness and eating our breakfast in the car and then reaching their, and i remember those moments, the drive back home and eating and we were so tired, we passed out in the car seat. Mr; we were so tired, we passed out in the car seat. We were so tired, we passed out in the car seat. My best moment in the car seat. My best moment in rolf in the car seat. My best moment in golf would in the car seat. My best moment in golf would be in the car seat. My best moment in golf would be the in the car seat. My best moment in golf would be the hong in the car seat. My best moment in golf would be the hong kong i in golf would be the hong kong junior in golf would be the Hong Kong Junior Championships where i came junior championships where i came first, and i was the only indian to came first, and i was the only indian to ever come first. Funny indian to ever come first. Funny story, she is actually left handed but she plays golf right handed because at that time our parents had no idea that there are left handed available. She had to play right. Available. She had to play rirht. ,. ,. , right. She also has a nineyearold i right. She also has a nineyearold who i right. She also has a i nineyearold who finished nine year old who finished second at the kids golf World Championships in 2022, netting a miss an opportunity to play a good course. Very good in the World Championship. There were 100 girls and i had to bet one more. I was happy because i beat at least most of them. What would you like to do when you go to the World Championship . I you go to the World Championship . You go to the World Chamionshi . You go to the world cham ionshi . , championship . I will win it and i will championship . I will win it and i will make championship . I will win it and i will make india championship . I will win it and i will make india proud. Championship . I will win it and i will make india proud. This i i will make india proud. This is one of i will make india proud. This is one of the i will make india proud. This is one of the indian i will make india proud. This is one of the indian stars i iwill make india proud. This is one of the indian stars on the indian to arrive now. As a youngster, she was among those who volunteered for the national open. I who volunteered for the national open. Who volunteered for the national open. I think i was about ten national open. I think i was about ten when national open. I think i was about ten when i national open. I think i was about ten when i started i national open. I think i was i about ten when i started golf. We used to live in calcutta in india. My granddad plays golf and my dad place. We were keen to start. My dad love that we played golf and he was the kind of. Like, if played golf and he was the kind of. Like, if i said i wanted to skip school to practise, he was happy to drop me and spend the whole day there and pick me up, and my mum would be, like, no, you have to go to school. It was a little bit different. Really good golf swing and mentally i think she is good as well mentally i think she is good as well. Shes a lovely girl and i think well. Shes a lovely girl and i think she well. Shes a lovely girl and i think she wants to do well, she is quite think she wants to do well, she is quite driven. | think she wants to do well, she is quite driven. Is quite driven. I worked for a lona is quite driven. I worked for a long time is quite driven. I worked for a long time who is quite driven. I worked for a long time who has is quite driven. I worked for a long time who has played i is quite driven. I worked for a long time who has played on | is quite driven. I worked for a i long time who has played on and off found long time who has played on and off found some long time who has played on and off found some fairly long time who has played on and off found some fairly ok. Off found some fairly ok. Diksha off found some fairly ok. Diksha has off found some fairly ok. Diksha has been off found some fairly ok. Diksha has been my off found some fairly ok. I diksha has been my student off found some fairly ok. Diksha has been my student for a few diksha has been my student for a few years diksha has been my student for a few years when diksha has been my student for a few years when she diksha has been my student for a few years when she was a few years when she was upandcoming a few years when she was up and coming. The a few years when she was i up and coming. The number a few years when she was up and coming. The number one thing up and coming. The number one thing that up and coming. The number one thing that i up and coming. The number one thing that i look up and coming. The number one thing that i look for up and coming. The number one thing that i look for and up and coming. The number one thing that i look for and i up and coming. The number one thing that i look for and i see i thing that i look for and i see in the thing that i look for and i see in the girls thing that i look for and i see in the girls who thing that i look for and i see in the girls who make thing that i look for and i see in the girls who make it i thing that i look for and i see in the girls who make it as i in the girls who make it as the driver in the girls who make it as the driver the in the girls who make it as the driver. The society in the girls who make it as the driver. The society that in the girls who make it as the driver. The society that we i driver. The society that we come driver. The society that we come from driver. The society that we come from is driver. The society that we come from is very driver. The society that we| come from is very different from come from is very different from the come from is very different from the society come from is very different from the society of come from is very different from the society of the i come from is very different i from the society of the west. This from the society of the west. This would from the society of the west. This would be from the society of the west. This would be much from the society of the west. This would be much more i from the society of the west. This would be much more common for the this would be much more common for the parents this would be much more common for the parents of this would be much more common for the parents of a this would be much more common for the parents of a boy this would be much more common for the parents of a boy to this would be much more common for the parents of a boy to so i for the parents of a boy to so that for the parents of a boy to so that earlier, for the parents of a boy to so that earlier, i for the parents of a boy to so that earlier, i think for the parents of a boy to so that earlier, i think it for the parents of a boy to so that earlier, i think it would i that earlier, i think it would be equally that earlier, i think it would be equally seen that earlier, i think it would be equally seen in that earlier, i think it would be equally seen in the i that earlier, i think it would i be equally seen in the parents of girls there is no politics, nothing involved. It is on your own merit. If you are good enough and you did well, you get the merit. I and you did well, you get the merit. , � merit. I visited the lat when it first came merit. I visited the lat when it first came to merit. I visited the lat when it first came to india merit. I visited the lat when it first came to india in i it first came to india in bangalore, an hour away from where bangalore, an hour away from where i bangalore, an hour away from where i live. It is the first time where i live. It is the first time i where i live. It is the first time i so where i live. It is the first time i so professional golf matters time i so professional golf matters when i decided that is what matters when i decided that is what i matters when i decided that is what i want to do. | matters when i decided that is what i want to do. What i want to do. I really wanted what i want to do. I really wanted to what i want to do. I really wanted to become what i want to do. I really wanted to become one i what i want to do. I really wanted to become one of| what i want to do. I really i wanted to become one of the what i want to do. I really wanted to become one of the big cars, wanted to become one of the big cars. I wanted to become one of the big cars. I really wanted to become one of the big cars, i really one wanted to become one of the big cars, i really one to wanted to become one of the big cars, i really one to to cars, i really one to to perform cars, i really one to to perform well cars, i really one to to perform well and i cars, i really one to to perform well and win. Cars, i really one to to perform well and win some tournaments perform well and win some tournaments. I perform well and win some tournaments. I also perform well and win some | tournaments. I also wanted perform well and win some i tournaments. I also wanted to play tournaments. I also wanted to may tournaments. I also wanted to. La. ,. , tournaments. I also wanted to play. Having a female winner maor play. Having a female winner major would play. Having a female winner major would provide play. Having a female winner major would provide the major would provide the ultimate uplift. How realistic is that prospect . Beating the world was in la is a challenge. In the population of india, a fraction of them take up the game. They could end up being a dominant force. Dominant force. When i came out, dominant force. When i came out. There dominant force. When i came out, there was dominant force. When i came out, there was maybe dominant force. When i came out, there was maybe one. Dominant force. When i came out, there was maybe one or| dominant force. When i came out, there was maybe one or two indian out, there was maybe one or two indian players but now there are quite indian players but now there are quite a few out here, and obviously are quite a few out here, and obviously they have grown the game obviously they have grown the game over there and it is bigger game over there and it is bigger so it is about either with bigger so it is about either with the bigger so it is about either with the a major winner from india with the a maor winner from india. ,. ,. , india. Now it is not unusual to see 55 girls. India. Now it is not unusual to see 55 girls, professional see 55 girls, professional girls see 55 girls, professional girls blank see 55 girls, professional Girls Blank Tournament. See 55 girls, professional Girls Blank Tournament locally in india Girls Blank Tournament locally in India I Girls Blank tournament locally in india. Ido Girls Blank Tournament locally in india. I do believe Girls Blank Tournament locally in india. I do believe golf Girls Blank Tournament locally in india. I do believe golf is. In india. I do believe golf is a sport in india. I do believe golf is a sport where in india. I do believe golf is a sport where indians in india. I do believe golf is a sport where indians can. In india. I do believe golf is a sport where indians can excel at the a sport where indians can excel at the world a sport where indians can excel at The World Stage a sport where indians can excel at The World Stage and a sport where indians can excel at The World Stage and golf a sport where indians can excel at The World Stage and golf is l at The World Stage and golf is at The World Stage and golf is a sport at The World Stage and golf is a sport where at The World Stage and golf is a sport where we at The World Stage and golf is a sport where we can at The World Stage and golf is a sport where we can have i a sport where we can have a major a sport where we can have a major winner a sport where we can have a major winner or a sport where we can have a major winner or an a sport where we can have a major winner or an 0lympic| major winner or an Olympic Medat major winner or an olympic medal. Th major winner or an olympic medal. ,. Major winner or an olympic medal. ,. , medal. It has been said that becoming medal. It has been said that becoming an medal. It has been said that becoming an indian medal. It has been said that becoming an indian female l becoming an indian female sporting icon can be life changing. The last two years have shown superstar being named as the worlds seventh highest paid athlete with earnings of more than 7. 2 million. In addition, this boxer and weightlifter have become Household Names after their metal successes at the tokyo olympics. These women are all icons of their respective sports. Overcoming challenges of a Patriarchal Society where opportunity often doesnt knock on the door for mostly talented women athletes. Until the age of 12, i played with boys so i was always a shorter letter and i had to make more up and down is that complement that i needed to do that and ive enjoyed practising it so that became i guess a skill i worked on. Became i guess a skill i worked on,. ,. , became i guess a skill i worked on. ,. ,. ,. On. There is a lot more that can be done on. There is a lot more that can be done to on. There is a lot more that can be done to facilitate can be done to facilitate Junior Golfers and girls playing bigger tenements, Junior Golfers and girls playing biggertenements, not just in india, but playing abroad as well, but, yeah, it is definitely better than it was when i was a junior, obviously. The indian open has grown so much over ten years. When i go home and i see so many when i go home and i see so many young girls so good now, we didnt many young girls so good now, we didnt have that so much when we didnt have that so much when i we didnt have that so much when i was growing up stop to see them when i was growing up stop to see them already reaching this level see them already reaching this level is see them already reaching this level is really amazing. Access to more level is really amazing. Access to more facilities would be something that could make it so much something that could make it so much more accessible to so many more much more accessible to so many more people so i think that could more people so i think that could make a big difference, definitely. Could make a big difference, definitely definitely. For us, it is really important definitely. For us, it is really important and l definitely. For us, it is. Really important and one definitely. For us, it is really important and one of our missions really important and one of our missions is really important and one of our missions is that really important and one of our missions is that any really important and one of our missions is that any talented. Missions is that any talented Player Missions is that any talented player that missions is that any talented player that wants missions is that any talented player that wants to missions is that any talented player that wants to play player that wants to play professional player that wants to play professional golf player that wants to play professional golf can player that wants to play| professional golf can find player that wants to play. Professional golf can find a way professional golf can find a way to professional golf can find a way to get professional golf can find a way to get to professional golf can find a way to get to the professional golf can find a way to get to the elite professional golf can find a way to get to the elite of. Professional golf can find a i way to get to the elite of the game, way to get to the elite of the game, and way to get to the elite of the game, and specific way to get to the elite of the game, and specific to way to get to the elite of the game, and specific to india, | game, and specific to india, having game, and specific to india, having the game, and specific to india, having the ladies game, and specific to india, having the ladies europeanl game, and specific to india, having the ladies European Tour event having the ladies European Tour event there. Having the ladies European Tour event there, there having the ladies European Tour event there, there is having the ladies European Tour event there, there is a event there, there is a significant event there, there is a significant portion event there, there is a significant portion of. Event there, there is a i significant portion of the field significant portion of the field that significant portion of the field that is significant portion of the field that is allocated. Significant portion of the field that is allocated to| significant portion of the i field that is allocated to the wj field that is allocated to the w] | field that is allocated to the wj i players. Field that is allocated to the w] i players, they field that is allocated to the w] i players, they have field that is allocated to the w] i players, they have thei wj i players, they have the opportunity w] i players, they have the opportunity hv w] i players, they have the opportunity by winning w] i players, they have the opportunity by winning the| opportunity by winning the tournament, opportunity by winning the tournament, they opportunity by winning the tournament, they can tournament, they can automatically tournament, they can| automatically become tournament, they can i automatically become an tournament, they can automatically become an lat memhen automatically become an lat memhen i automatically become an lat member. I would automatically become an lat member. I would ideally automatically become an lat member. Iwould ideally like| automatically become an lat. Member. I would ideally like to see that member. I would ideally like to see that players member. I would ideally like to see that players under member. I would ideally like to see that players under 18 see that players under 18 that want see that players under 18 that want to see that players under 18 that want to pick see that players under 18 that want to pick up see that players under 18 that want to pick up the see that players under 18 that want to pick up the game see that players under 18 that l want to pick up the game would have want to pick up the game would have some want to pick up the game would have some time want to pick up the game would have some time during want to pick up the game would have some time during the want to pick up the game wouldl have some time during the week that they have some time during the week that they can have some time during the week that they can have have some time during the week that they can have access have some time during the week that they can have access to that they can have access to golf that they can have access to golf courses, that they can have access to golf courses, reduced that they can have access to golf courses, reduced prices for golf golf courses, reduced prices for golf lessons. Golf courses, reduced prices for golf lessons. It golf courses, reduced prices for golf lessons. It is golf courses, reduced prices for golf lessons. It is very. For golf lessons. It is very important for golf lessons. It is very important when for golf lessons. It is very important when you for golf lessons. It is very important when you are l for golf lessons. It is very important when you are starting in the important when you are starting in the game important when you are starting in the game that important when you are starting in the game that you important when you are starting in the game that you could important when you are starting in the game that you could l in the game that you could et in the game that you could get good in the game that you could get good tuition, in the game that you could get good tuition, so in the game that you could get good tuition, so all in the game that you could get good tuition, so all of in the game that you could get good tuition, so all of the| get good tuition, so all of the costs get good tuition, so all of the costs money, get good tuition, so all of the costs money, equipment get good tuition, so all of the| costs money, Equipment Costs money. Costs money, Equipment Costs money. In costs money, Equipment Costs money. In a costs money, Equipment Costs money. In a country costs money, Equipment Costs money. In a country where costs money, Equipment Costs. Money. In a country where there is not money. In a country where there is not a money. In a country where there is not a lot money. In a country where there is not a lot of money. In a country where there is not a lot of golf, money. In a country where there is not a lot of golf, it money. In a country where there is not a lot of golf, it is is not a lot of golf, it is hard is not a lot of golf, it is hard. Ideally is not a lot of golf, it is hard. Ideally we is not a lot of golf, it is hard. Ideally we can i is not a lot of golf, it is hard. Ideally we can introduce them hard. Ideally we can introduce them to hard. Ideally we can introduce them to the hard. Ideally we can introduce them to the game hard. Ideally we can introduce them to the game when hard. Ideally we can introduce them to the game when theyi hard. Ideally we can introduce i them to the game when they are young golf is a multinational, multibillion dollar business where fortunes lie and fall with each swing, and each putt. It is a game that deserves to infiltrate each nation on the earth, and india is no exception. Forthe earth, and india is no exception. For the ladies European Tour, the sanction the womens indian open in 2010 was a gamble, but the players took to the new challenge, and at the first event in 2010, one of the first event in 2010, one of the best players ever in womens golf to tee off played in india. Laura davies took home the trophy. The stage was set for the next decade. To have that set for the next decade. Trr have that one opportunity in india definitely helped me growing up. I played when i was 13, 14, growing up. I played when i was 13, 1a, for dean, 16, so as a golfer, i could compare that with two level goal. The same earthat with two level goal. The same year that diksha with two level goal. The same year that diksha was with two level goal. The same year that diksha was 15, with two level goal. The same year that diksha was 15, we i with two level goal. The same i year that diksha was 15, we saw aditi year that diksha was 15, we saw aditi women are inspired her to id aditi women are inspired her to go on aditi women are inspired her to go on and aditi women are inspired her to go on and continue, continue her career go on and continue, continue her career in golf and ended up being her career in golf and ended up being tournament winner only after being tournament winner only after her being tournament winner only after her fourth start on the ladies after her fourth start on the ladies European Tour. It after her fourth start on the ladies European Tour. It was a ve bi ladies European Tour. It was a very big deal ladies European Tour. It was a very big deal for ladies European Tour. It was a very big deal for me, ladies European Tour. It was a very big deal for me, and ladies European Tour. It was a very big deal for me, and at l very big deal for me, and at the very big deal for me, and at the time, very big deal for me, and at the time, i very big deal for me, and at the time, i was very big deal for me, and at the time, i was serious very big deal for me, and at the time, i was serious and | very big deal for me, and ati the time, i was serious and i wanted the time, i was serious and i wanted to the time, i was serious and i wanted to do the time, i was serious and i wanted to do well the time, i was serious and i wanted to do well because. The time, i was serious and i wanted to do well because itl the time, i was serious and i. Wanted to do well because it is a big wanted to do well because it is a big tournament wanted to do well because it is a big tournament happening i wanted to do well because it is a big tournament Happening Inl A Big tournament happening in india~ a big tournament happening in india~ [ a big tournament happening in india. ,. A big tournament happening in india. , a big tournament happening in india. Iwas so happy. I remember india. Iwas so happy. I remember doing india. Iwas so happy. I remember doing an india. Iwas so happy. I remember doing an Educational Programme there one year to a load of girls aged sort of five to 18 and in a little q a session there and they were all really keen and all of them wanted to be professional golfers on our circuit, the lpga. Ll golfers on our circuit, the lpga. , , golfers on our circuit, the lpga. ,. ,. , lpga. It was my first win on to after 18 years. Lpga. It was my first win on to after 18 years, which lpga. It was my first win on to after 18 years, which i lpga. It was my first win on to after 18 years, which i will after 18 years, which i will never after 18 years, which i will never forget, obviously. After 18 years, which i will neverforget, obviously. Even never forget, obviously. Even though never forget, obviously. Even though i neverforget, obviously. Even though i won this, before that it was though i won this, before that it was probably one of my favourite places to go. When i won favourite places to go. When i won there, aditi was probably the only won there, aditi was probably the only one i knew. Ireland didnt the only one i knew. Ireland didnt have any golfers another have didnt have any golfers another have meant golfers. Many golfers have meant golfers. Many golfers l have meant golfers. Many golfers. I look have meant golfers. Many golfers. I look forward have meant golfers. Many golfers. I look forward to have meant golfers. Many golfers. I look forward to the | golfers. I look forward to the 25th golfers. I look forward to the 25th year golfers. I look forward to the 25th year of golfers. I look forward to the 25th year of the golfers. I look forward to the 25th year of the indian golfers. I look forward to the 25th year of the indian open. Golfers. I look forward to the. 25th year of the indian open. I will be 25th year of the indian open. I will be still 25th year of the indian open. I will be still there. 25th year of the indian open. I will be still there. My will be still there. My granddaughter will be still there. My granddaughter is will be still there. My granddaughter is two| will be still there. My granddaughter is two years old so i granddaughter is two years old so i hope granddaughter is two years old so i hope to granddaughter is two years old so i hope to make granddaughter is two years old so i hope to make her granddaughter is two years old so i hope to make her into granddaughter is two years old so i hope to make her into a i so i hope to make her into a good so i hope to make her into a good golfer so i hope to make her into a good golfer one so i hope to make her into a good golfer one day. So i hope to make her into a good golfer one day. [it is i good golfer one day. It is treat good golfer one day. It is great to good golfer one day. It is great to see good golfer one day. It is great to see golf good golfer one day. It is great to see Golfjust Great to see golfjust spreading all over the world because i think it is a great game, it teaches you about life, really. It is not fair and you need more to play it. The game suits the indian also fairly the game suits the indian also fairly well, though of course it is fairly well, though of course it is a fairly well, though of course it is a physical game. You need to be it is a physical game. You need to be there. But a lot of it is mental~ to be there. But a lot of it is mental. Indians have proved in various mental. Indians have proved in various fields they are very good various fields they are very good as various fields they are very good as far as the mental capacities are concerned. Turning capacities are concerned. Turning full circle, we go back to the very beginning. Why did golf beat so fast in the hearts of these players . To start, it wasnt the quest for money or fame. It was a challenge that encompasses all of us who love the sport. The quest for perfection, noting the perfect drive, the hours upon hours of practice, the unseen craft that leads to the first stage of the tournament that really matters. Womens golf in india has seen few changes in the past 20 years, and we know that when the girls get higher, they mean business. I the girls get higher, they mean business. , the girls get higher, they mean business. ,. , business. I wanted to do every da , business. I wanted to do every day. Every business. I wanted to do every day. Every week business. I wanted to do every day, every week whenever business. I wanted to do every day, every week whenever i i business. I wanted to do every. Day, every week whenever i had a tournament, i was really excited and that is what motivated me. In excited and that is what motivated me. Excited and that is what motivated me. In india, it is not the most motivated me. In india, it is not the most popular motivated me. In india, it is not the most popular sport, | not the most popular sport, there not the most popular sport, there is not the most popular sport, there is cricket and so many other there is cricket and so many other sports that are given more other sports that are given more importance. It is a bit different more importance. It is a bit different but i never really felt anv different but i never really felt any disadvantage of playing golf. In fact, i thought we were quite lucky because thought we were quite lucky because we were such a small group because we were such a small group and because we were such a small group and we got experienced so much group and we got experienced so much i group and we got experienced so much. ,. , group and we got experienced so much. ,. ,. , group and we got experienced so much. ,. ,. Much. I was heading to the game because i had much. I was heading to the game because i had that much. I was heading to the game because i had that feeling much. I was heading to the game because i had that feeling of because i had that feeling of hunger, because i had that feeling of hunger, something because i had that feeling of hunger, something i because i had that feeling of hunger, something i really. Hunger, something i really wanted hunger, something i really wanted to hunger, something i really wanted to win. Hunger, something i really wanted to win. The hunger, something i really wanted to win. The new i hunger, something i really wanted to win. The new forget about wanted to win. The new forget about everything wanted to win. The new forget about everything and wanted to win. The new forget about everything and your wanted to win. The new forgetl about everything and your head is completely about everything and your head is completely into about everything and your head is completely into the about everything and your head is completely into the golf. About everything and your head is completely into the golf. 1 i is completely into the golf. 1 am is completely into the golf. Am always trying to hold is completely into the golf. Am always trying to hold every putt. Ifeel if am always trying to hold every putt. I feel if the ball is on the grain, it can be put in the hole. Green. Hello. Dodging the downpours on saturday. Sunday, the drier day of the two. This weekend we will start saturday with the overnight Rain Clearing from Northern Ireland. Very wet through western scotland, north west england, wales. All of this rain then pushing further east, some showers early and then late again across east anglia and south east england. Further showers arriving into the north and west as we go through the afternoon. Some heavy with hail and thunder. Gusty winds too. Some gales through the irish sea and adjacent coast and maybe a bit of snow out of the showers and ice ground in scotland. Showers becoming mainly confined to the northern half of the uk overnight and into sunday where it stays windiest. It will be a milder night in scotland as we start off on sunday. A touch colder across southern areas of england and wales. Still blustery and showery in scotland on sunday morning. But actually, for a time on sunday, we find ourselves in between weather systems. That means theres a lot of fine, dry weather around. Here comes the next one, though, towards parts of southern england, wales and especially Northern Ireland as we go on through sunday evening. Great Stepping Stone to europe and beyond. Welcome to bbc news, im rich preston. Our top stories out afterjust 38 days in thejob. Kwasi kwarteng is sacked as britains chancellor by Prime Minister liz truss. Staright after the sacking, the pm announces another major u turn on her economic plans it is clear that parts of our many budget went further and faster than markets were expecting, so the way we are delivering our mission right now has two change. Irans Supreme Leader warns no one can overturn the islamic republic, as protesters again take to the streets. And well bring you the story of a six month old ukrainian boy whos never known life without war