Aditi Ashok is India's hope to win a gold at Olympics

After a sweeping start in her Olympic campaign, teen golfer Aditi Ashok has successfully put India on the map in a sport that sees little popularity in the country.

The reasons for the lack of top golfers from India have been well documented: inadequate coaching at the ground level, lack of golf courses, expensive equipment and training, et al.

But 18-year-old Aditi, ranked 462 in the world and the youngest woman golfer, has been a terrific revelation for India.

Aditi finished with a +7 total in the 39th place, but on the first day of the tournament, she had finished with a super three-under 68 to be tied seventh after the opening round.

By the end of second round, the Bangalore teenager was tied eighth. She tailed off a bit after the third, as she dropped 23 places to be tied 31st.

There is potential, she will improve. And swing forward.

Also read: How long will India be satisfied with so few medals in Olympics?

This is an incredible achievement by an Indian in a sport that has traditionally seen weak contenders from the country. With three rounds to go, anything is possible. Even the hope for the gold.

Playing Golf to cheer for #AditiAshok pic.twitter.com/1gUiaXBLO1

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 19, 2016

Impact of golf in The Olympics? 18 year old Aditi Ashok of India set Rio as a goal 5 years ago. Medals mean more than majors in her country.

— Rich Lerner (@RichLernerGC) August 17, 2016

Aditi started playing golf when she was five-and-a-half years old. Her first national win was at the age of nine. She is the only Indian golfer to have played the Asian Youth Games (2013), Youth Olympic Games (2014) and Asian Games (2014). She is also a three-time National Junior Champion and a two-time National Amateur Champion.

It's time to build the chorus for #AditiForGold.