By IANS,
New Delhi : Jeev Milkha Singh Sunday dedicated his win at the Golf Nippon Series JT Cup in Tokyo to his wife Kudrat.
It has been troubled time for the couple as they lost their first child, who was born still at a Tokyo hospital earlier this week.
Jeev decided to skip the tournament but changed it in the last minute after being persuaded by Kudrat.
“I dedicate this win to my wife Kudrat for being so strong and to convince me to go and play on the Thursday morning. A lot happened in my family over the last few days and we have gone through a lot,” Jeev said in a statement after the win.
“I want to thank and also dedicate this win to the family members from both my and my wife’s sides.”
Jeev, who missed the Wednesday Pro-Am, was urged to play by his wife who felt he needed to take his mind off the tragedy. He was given special permission to play in the main tournament, as players missing the Pro-Am are not allowed to tee off in the main tournament. But the organising committee keeping in view the exceptional circumstances allowed him to play.
“I feel fortunate to have been born in India, where we are so close as a family and our culture is such that it binds us all closer in such difficult times. Many of our close relatives are here with us at this crucial time,” he added.
After the first round, Jeev said he was convinced by his wife Kudrat to go to the course straight from the hospital after the arrival of his sister and other family members to look after her in the hospital.
“It was God’s will and I am sure there is something better for us. Already God has been very kind to us with this win. I would also like to thank Janet Squire (my caddie) for keeping me busy on the golf course. She has been a close friend and kept talking a lot to me to keep my mind away from other things. She has been excellent for me through this season and even more so now,” he said.
Jeev also thanked Indian Ambassador Hemant Singh and his wife Mrinalini, who have been such close friends and stood by his family in crisis.