After a phenomenal 2023 Diksha Dagar has been honoured for her achievements by the Sports Ministry of India with the prestigious Arjuna Award – an accolade recognising outstanding performance in sports and games in the country.
The 23-year-old enjoyed her best season to date in 2023, winning her second Ladies European Tour (LET) title at the Tipsport Czech Ladies Open en route to finishing third in the year-long Race to Costa del Sol.
As consistent as anybody last season, Dagar would record eight more top-10 finishes either side of her Czech triumph and place T21 at the AIG Women’s Open in August – the best result from a female Indian in Major history.
On top of her stellar play, Dagar has also continued trump adversity and be a role model for the deaf community having been born hearing-impaired. The left-handed star also remains the only golfer to have competed in both the Summer Olympic Games and Deaflympics.
After being confirmed as the recipient of the award in December, the two-time LET winner officially received the award at a ceremony last week in India where she was presented with the accolade by President Draupadi Murmu.
Speaking after the historic achievement, Dagar said: “To get recognition from the Indian government is a great honour.
“It’s [been] my best golfing year so far. Hard work bears fruit, opens up possibilities and opportunities. Things are tough but fair in golf at the international level, but I like the challenges. Support and teamwork are force multipliers.”
Looking ahead to 2024, Dagar sees the award as a source of motivation for crucial events, particularly for the Paris Summer Olympic Games.
“I am excited about the opportunity and prospects,” the left-hander continued. “It is the biggest sporting event and an honour to represent India. Very good and befitting environment, support, and importance being given to all athletes and sports by the Ministry of Sports, SAI, Govt, and media.
“People at the Women’s Golf Association of India are doing great to grow and lift women’s golf in India.”
In receiving this momentous honour, Dagar becomes the 22nd golfer to win the award and the fifth female player, following in the footsteps of Anjani Desair (1972), Sita Rawlley (1977), Nonita Lall (1987), and fellow LET winner and LPGA star Aditi Ashok (2020).
Dagar will return to the LET fairways on February 8th for the Magical Kenya Ladies Open, the first event of the 2024 season.
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