Breaking Barriers on the Greens: Meet Sanat Jindal

In the world of golf, where tradition and history run deep, a young and ambitious golfer from Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, Jalandhar, is breaking barriers and aiming to make a significant impact. He is Sanat Jindal, a talented and driven student, whose passion for the sport knows no bounds. With a string of victories in his bag, Sanat is not only leaving a mark on the greens but also inspiring others to embrace the game with diversity and inclusion. Read on. Edited excerpts from the interview.

The Early Beginnings

Born with an innate love for sports, Sanat’s journey as a golfer began two years ago. He says, “My interest was piqued once I visited a golf course with my father on the insistence of one of his friends. There I gave the game a shot. In the first swing itself, I was certain that this is what I want to do. Eventually, I began to learn it professionally and my family supported me in the endeavour,” he says. At present, Sanat is fourteen years old and studies in class 10. He finds himself captivated by the elegance and skill required in golf. He has set his sights on pursuing it professionally.

Acing Championships

Sanat’s dedication to golf has paid off early. With relentless training and a passion for honing his skills, he soon began to make his mark in the local golfing community. It wasn’t long before he started participating in various junior championships, where he displayed exceptional talent and a fierce competitive spirit. One after another, he aced several championships, making a name for himself as a promising young golfer. His consistent performances caught the attention of seasoned golfers and coaches alike, earning him recognition and respect within the golfing fraternity. The student is training under Mr Mahesh Kumar at Chandigarh’s Golf Club. He also practices in the city of Jalandhar.

Embracing Diversity in Golf

One of Sanat’s standout qualities is his determination to bring diversity to the sport of golf. Traditionally, golf has been perceived as an exclusive sport, often associated with privilege and elitism. However, Sanat believes that golf is for everyone, regardless of background or economic status. He aims to promote inclusivity and ensure that opportunities for aspiring golfers are accessible to all.

Sanat believes that diversifying the sport will not only lead to its growth but also enrich the game with fresh perspectives and experiences. For a developing nation like India, the sport surely doesn’t enjoy as much popularity as cricket. However, the student notes, “it is an expensive sport. The equipment and attire can range from thousands to lakhs.”

The young talent comes from a business family. His father, Mr Avinash Jindal, deals in car parts and mother, Mrs Nisha Jindal, is a homemaker. In the near future, Sanat hopes to learn at the popular gold destination Germany to gather more knowledge and perfect his skill at the sport.

Unwavering Passion and Dedication

Sanat’s journey towards becoming a professional golfer has not been without challenges. The path to success in any sport demands unwavering passion, discipline, and countless hours of dedicated practice. So, driven by his dream of making it big in the golfing world, he spares no effort in his training regime. Every day, he wakes up at 4 in the morning to train for the sport and spends two hours before school for it. Further, most of his evenings are dedicated to workouts. He also maintains dietary precautions and stays away from junk eating.

Hence, early mornings on the greens, intense workouts, and mental conditioning have become a way of life for Sanat. His commitment to self-improvement and pushing his limits is a testament to his determination to succeed. When asked about the game, he explains, “It is not as simple as just scoring the balls. The game is all about focus and patience. Besides, it is a complex sport in which one has a set of 14 golf clubs. These are used to direct the ball into about 18 (can be 9 or 12 too) holes in a 100-150 acres golf course. So, the idea is to score with efficiency in the least number of strokes,” says Sanat. In a championship, a team is required to do the same collaboratively.

Inspirations from the Greats

Like many aspiring golfers, Sanat finds inspiration in legendary players of the game. He looks up to prominent personalities like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, who have not only revolutionised golf but also overcame tremendous obstacles to achieve greatness. Woods’ resilience, skill, and trailblazing achievements motivate him to work harder and strive for excellence. Like Woods, he aims to perfect his target and work towards his physique.

Future Aspirations

Sanat’s aspirations in golf go beyond individual success. He envisions representing his country on the international stage and being a role model for young golf enthusiasts. With each tournament he competes in, he gains valuable experience and takes steps closer to achieving his dreams. For those who wish to start at the sport, he says, “Be patient with the progress, stay focused and work hard.” 

Truly, this young golfer is a beacon of hope and change in the golfing world. His determination to bring diversity and inclusivity to the sport, combined with his passion and dedication, is commendable. As he continues to ace championships and work towards a professional golfing career, Sanat is inspiring a new generation of golfers to take up the sport and embrace the values it instills. With his unwavering spirit and admiration for the greats of the game, there is no doubt that this teenager is on track to leave an indelible mark in the world of golf.