Saini becomes first Indian golfer to play in Special Olympics World Games

Ranveer Saini

July 26th, New Delhi: Gurgaon-based 14-year-old Ranveer Saini is all set to mesmerize the audience at the Special Olympics World Games to be held at the Wilson & Harding Golf Course, Los Angeles beginning July 27. The Indian Golf Union (IGU) has supported Ranveer in his endeavour to bring more laurels for the nation.

In 2013, Saini won two gold medals at the Special Olympics Asia-Pacific Golf International in Macau. In Los Angeles, he will be competing against 300 golfers at the Special Olympics. He was diagnosed with severe autism, which is a neurological disorder characterised by impaired social interaction, at the age of 2. He started playing golf at the age of nine and the game has visibly changed a lot in his life.

After being impressed by Ranveer’s performances at the international level, the IGU went all out in motivating renowned coach Anitya Chand to train the kid. “Out of all the golf associations across India, the only organization which came up to us to support was the IGU. Each council member in the IGU recognized and applauded the great work done by Ranveer and came forward to sponsor his golf training from last year till he left for the Special Olympics World Games 2015 in Los Angeles. Now he is all set to battle for the country”, said Kartikeya Saini, father of Ranveer Saini.

A 9th standard student of Scottish High School, Saini, who understands the value of competing at the world level, has undergone serious training before embarking for LA. “We have created our own map of the Wilson and Harding Golf Club, and Ranveer has practiced twice as much as he usually does. Since he has already tasted victory at the Special Olympics in Macau when he won couple of gold medals, that had participation from more than 180 nations, is confident about doing it again in LA”, said Ranveer’s father, who will accompany him to the Games.

Chand, who has coached Ranveer right from the onset of his career said, “From holding a club for the first time to winning in Macau, Ranveer has come a long way. It wasn’t as easy as it sounds because the biggest challenge for me was to communicate with him. Soon, he realized that he should listen to me and now he hits a 260-yard ball and can play with any normal golfer.” “There were parts of his game which needed some specific training, so I have trained him according to that. He is also carrying some notes with him and is glued to the internet all the time to learn new golf technologies.”

“I am sure that he won’t make many mistakes and bring another title for the country,” added Chand.