Calcutta: There is little that fazes Anirban Lahiri - the rising star of India in the international golf circuit.
The nerves of steel that helped him finish tied fifth in the PGA Championship also helped him cope with misplaced baggage on arrival to the city, on Friday. And it wasn't any ordinary piece of luggage. It was his golf set that earns him his bread and butter, and accolades.
Once the airlines confirmed that the kit had been traced - it was on way to Bagdogra - Anirban was visibly relieved. "It's okay... Am sure they will send it to me," he said with a smile, even as an airline official offered an apology and assured him.
Later, on Friday evening, Anirban received the ABP Ananda Shera Bangali Award. He was presented the award by Sourav Ganguly.
Calm and composed, Anirban happily posed for selfies, distributed autographs and had a patient ear for every eager fan who wanted to congratulate him.
Asked by The Telegraph what has been the best compliment for him post Whistling Straits, Anirban said: "Well, the fact that the people in the US are saying that I might be the first Indian to win a Major is the biggest compliment I have received so far."
While he is steadily becoming the idol for many aspiring golfers in the country, Anirban himself looked up to Tiger Woods and Jeev Milkha Singh. And beyond golf? "That will be Sachin Tendulkar... I have always admired Sachin, his nature and his attitude. Despite achieving so much, he has always remained humble. It was a great moment for me when I met him personally," Anirban, who was accompanied by his wife Ipsa Jamwal to programme said.
The 28-year-old doesn't believe in setting long-term goals and prefers to stay in the present. "I'm not thinking too far ahead... Rather, taking one tournament at a time. The urge to do better is always there," he said.
"It sure feels great to be able to finish where I did," he said, referring to his tied fifth finish in the PGA Championship, the best by an Indian till date. "Great that I could raise the bar for India. I hope I can continue to improve and do even better in future. It was fantastic to get the kind of appreciation and response I got from the Indian golf fraternity and supporters."
Anirban said he was excited with the prospect of playing the Presidents Cup, in October. "I am tremendously excited. It's one of the most followed tournaments of the world.
"To be part of the International Team is huge... I am proud to be the first Indian to make the team. It will be great for golf in the country also," he said.
Asked if he enjoyed being the new face of Indian golf, he said: "I don't know if I am the new face of Indian golf, but I surely represent the young and upcoming generation of Indian golfers. Seniors like Arjun (Atwal) and Jeev are now passing the baton to us and I am more than happy to carry it forward."
Anirban, with his current world ranking of 38, is assured of a berth in Rio Olympics. "There is still some time for Rio. Maybe closer to six months, I will start preparing for Rio. I also have to find out about the course in Brazil.
"But as a sportsman, representing India in the Olympics is fantastic. Even when I played the Majors, just to see the Tricolour fluttering away was very inspiring. I will definitely try to give my best in Rio."
