GQ Blog- Arjun Atwal now for the real test

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For those who don’t follow the great game of golf, the fact that Arjun Atwal achieved what no man has done on the PGA tour since 1986 should tell you that his win was something special. The story gets even better with the fact that through the week Atwal received encouraging text messages from a certain Tiger Woods.

It hasn't been an easy ride for Atwal, though, after losing his PGA tour card earlier this year, recovering from a car accident in 2007 and dealing with injuries too. But his toughest test is yet to come: coping with the love and attention of the Indian media.

Many promising talents who have faced this beast have seen their careers disappear into oblivion, while others have gone on to achieve much greater things. Mr. Atwal, welcome to the major leagues.

There are two ways a successful Indian sportsman can go once the eyes of the Indian media are upon them: The Sania way or the Saina way.

The Sania way means building up endorsements, fame and recognition even as your career dwindles. The Saina prefers fewer endorsements, with the focus remaining on the game. The Saina way still leads to plenty of coverage and cocktail conversation about wins and world rankings. However, if you receive more media coverage the week of your wedding than you did all year on the courts, you have gone the Sania way.

I would guess Atwal will follow the Saina way, thankfully.

He lives abroad, is touring most of the year and hardly spends time in India. He has also seen what the wrong media spotlight did to his practice partner. Yet the sudden love and affection of a nation can change a man who has struggled to make a name for himself.

Nevertheless, I read an interview with Atwal recently in which he said he misses Bollywood films in Florida. Call the doctor, this is a Sania symptom.

Will he enjoy this week of glory, as he should, and go back to focusing on his game or will we soon be reading about who his favorite Bollywood actress is?

With the ability to play on the tour till 2012 and an invite to his first Masters in 2011, it's an important moment for Atwal.

Leander Paes and Viswanathan Anand went the Saina way. Let's hope Mr. Atwal does too.

This blog was published at www.gqindia.com http://www.gqindia.com/content/arjun-atwal-now-real-test-1

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