The puja vacations having commenced, he range was quite relaxed and collected on the afternoon of October 8. While most of the students are either busy enjoying pandal hopping in the overtly crowded Kolkata streets, or taking a tour of some serene hill stations or beach staycation, we came across Parikshet More, a junior golfer in the Protouch Golf Academy, trying to make his putting shots perfect, moments before his coach arrived for his training session.

Though nervous and shy in the beginning, Pariskhit, a student of the fourth standard from the La Martiniere School for Boys slowly opened up and talked to us about his likes, dislikes and goals that he looks forward to achieving as he grows up.

How often do you come to the Academy?

Parikshet: I come to the Academy thrice a week.

As a regular student, how do you balance academics and golf?

Parikshit: First, I play golf after school, and after playing golf, I do not waste my time playing games or watching mobile. I devote the rest of the evening for studies.

Do you compete with your schoolmates and friends who also play golf?

Parikshet: No, no, never. I just consider them to be my friends, and not competitors.

Who is your best friend? Does he/she play golf or any sport?

Parikshet: My best friend’s name is Krishnav Jain. Krishnav plays basketball.

Which subjects do you like and hate the most?

Parikshet: My favourite subject is Mathematics, and I hate, no, dislike Hindi (smiles).

Who is your role model?

Parikshet: My role models are Christiano Ronaldo and Tiger Woods.

If not golf, which other sport would you like to play?

Parikshet: I would like to play football.

What is your favourite football club and who is your favourite football player?

Parikshet: My favourite football club is Real Madrid, and I love Christiano Ronaldo.

Suppose, you get tickets to watch a FIFA World Cup. Which international team will you support and cheer for?

Parikshet: I will support and cheer for, umm, Portugal.

What do you want to become when you grow up?

Parikshet: I want to become a scientist, and also a golfer, and win awards by playing big tournaments, all over the world.

Who has been the most supportive person in your golf journey?

Parikshet: Umm, my father and my coach, Bharat Rajawat sir have been the most supportive people in my golf journey. They have been encouraging me to play more golf and do better. They have been driving me to play tournaments. Bharat sir, what can I say? He is such a kind hearted and polite teacher. He rectifies my mistakes and helps me improve them without scolding me. He is a very good coach, so, I like him very much.

Parikshet’s coach, Mr. Bharat Singh Rajawat, says, “Parikshet is a smart boy. He is hard working too. If he focuses and keeps improving his skills, he will surely be able to become a great golfer in the future”.