By Rahul Banerji
Courage and determination are the hallmarks of some entrants of this year’s Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic, golfers who have set a sporting example, particularly when it comes to female empowerment.
In this group is rising Indian star Diksha Dagar.
In a difficult and uncertain year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s tournament, from November 4 to 6, aims at inspiring the next generation of young girls to pursue their dreams and to overcome perceived barriers.
The tournament will take place under the theme “Time To Shine”, the Ladies European Tour noted on its website.
The $285,000 Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic’s day-night format will be played on the iconic Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club.
Trailblazer
In 2019, Diksha became the youngest Indian to win an LET title, the South African Women’s Open. She was then 18. A phenomenal achievement in itself was made all the more incredible with Diksha being born deaf.
Despite facing a difficult return to the game since events resumed late in the summer, Diksha remains upbeat and unfazed.
“In such a difficult year as 2020, just being able to play in tournaments such as the Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic makes me feel incredibly lucky,” she told the LET website.
“To be able to play professional golf is all thanks to my family and the people around me for offering me guidance, support and encouragement.
“Being born deaf, I never knew what it was like to hear or that I was missing anything. It’s this attitude that has allowed me to turn pro and compete with the attitude that I can play with the best.
“Golf has been an anchor in my life, bringing me great joy and happiness.
Words of value
“To those suffering with their own problems, particularly young girls and women, I recommend accepting your respective situation and learning that whatever the difficulty it is likely to only form a small part of your overall life.
“It’s important to work hard and take advantage of the chances we’re offered. There is always opportunity in adversity, so use it.
“The fact that the tournament organisers have taken the decision to host this event behind closed doors in Dubai, is testament to our game’s resilience.
“My goal for the end of this year is to play as well as I possibly can for those stuck at home and perhaps inspire those who thought golf might not be for them.”
Formerly known as the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, the inaugural tournament was played in 2006. Annika Sorenstam has won it twice and Shanshan Feng four times.
Sorenstam won the first two events back to back in 2006 and 2007, while Chinese former world no.1, Feng, dominated from 2014 to 2016, winning the tournament three times in-a-row.
The newly named tournament switched from May to November after its first staging in spring 2019, when it achieved global recognition as the world’s first professional day-night tour event, the LET added.
Also read: Diksha Dagar scripts a bit of history with SA Women’s Open win
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