IOA's handling of suspension issue biggest shame: Shiv Kapur

GURGAON: Ace Indian golfer Shiv Kapur has described the ongoing impasse between International Olympic Committee and Indian Olympic Association as the "biggest shame" and said he feels "extremely sad" at the way the IOA was handling the issue of its suspension by the world body.

"I feel extremely sad. I have signed the petition which was started by Abhinav Bindra and I have also sent it to 1000 people. I think sports should not suffer because of politics. It is a biggest shame," Kapur told reporters here.

"Golf is becoming an Olympic sport in 2016. It is a big step. It has been my dream to win an Olympic gold as I had also won Asian Games gold in 2002. It is a big opportunity," he added.

The 31-year-old Kapur is one of the finest golfers in the country and he showed that once again at the British Open when he made his first ever cut at a major tournament in July.

"It was a great learning experience. I was lucky I could play my best golf with the world watching. It was a proud moment for me to see my name at the leaderboard and I hope next time I can win the title," he said at the sidelines of the launch of Ballantine team-Am Golf Challenge 4 to be held in Vietnam.

Asked about India not hosting the only European tour event -- Avantha Masters next year along with the Kensville Challenge tour, Kapur said: "It was unfortunate and a big setback but it would be unfair to expect people to shell out so much money at a time when the rupee is dwindling.

"It will make it a bit difficult for Indian golfers to qualify for European tour but then it is just one tournament and to qualify one needs to be more consistent. I am sure we will tide over this bad time and may be if not European tour event, we might have a PGA tour event too in India. People are very interested to have a PGA tour event in India," he said.