March 26th 2014, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Anirban Lahiri and Gaganjeet Bhullar believe the uniqueness in Team Asia has brought a closer bond between the players who are ready to uphold the pride and honour for Asia when the inaugural EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM gets underway on Thursday.

The Indian duo are determined to fire the first salvo in the battle of the intercontinental heavyweights when they take on Spain’s Gonzalo Fdez-Castano and Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher in the opening fourball format at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club, Garden course.

Gaganjeet Bhullar

Although they have diverse cultures and speak different languages, Bhullar knows that Team Asia are all prepared for the titanic battle ahead.

“It’s quite cool. We compete against each other very often on the Asian Tour and every week, we see different faces and nationalities but we are pairing up as a team for the first time. We’re getting really comfortable with each other and are just waiting for the tournament to start,” said Bhullar.

As the highest ranked Indian in 109th place on the Official World Golf Ranking this week, Lahiri is looking forward to strike up another formidable partnership with Bhullar, whom he has long enjoyed a strong friendship with.

“You’re playing for your country and you’re playing for Asia. These are the two biggest things you can do as a professional golfer. It’s a fantastic opportunity to have the Indian flag stamped out there and hopefully dominate proceedings when we start,” said Lahiri.

Lahiri, who is a year older than Bhullar, first teamed up with the latter during his amateur days at the Asian Games in 2006 where they led India to a silver medal. Since then, they have gone on to cement their places as one of Asia’s emerging talents.

Anirban Lahiri

The duo have between them a total of eight Asian Tour titles and will be gunning for victory against the European pair to give Team Asia a good head start at the Ryder Cup-style showdown.

“I’ve played against them in Europe before and I know it’s going to be an exciting match. Both of them have won on Tour but if you look at us, we are both very aggressive and are very hungry to go out there to make a name for our country and continent. I wouldn’t be surprised if we go on and win this cup,” said Bhullar.

While staying focused on the task of winning the inaugural EurAsia Cup, the Indians are enjoying a welcome respite with the relaxed atmosphere in the team’s room where friendly banter and jokes rule.

“As the week progressed, we’re getting more relaxed, pulling each other legs. It’s nice and it’s the kind of atmosphere that we need. Everyone’s here to give their best and win the EurAsia Cup but it’s good that we can take our minds off it when you’re inside the team room,” said Lahiri, a three-time Asian Tour winner.