I need 2-3 wins before July to qualify for Rio Olympics, says Jeev Milkha Singh

New Delhi: Indian ace golfer Jeev Milkha Singh, who would be hoping to get some much needed form, said that he will have to get at least 2-3 wins under his belt before July to put himself in contention for a spot in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Jeev said that the event is close to his heart given his father represented India thrice.

"For me, Olympics is the biggest event in sports in the world and I feel it is close to my heart because my father represented India in three Olympics and if I can get 2-3 wins before July then it will be fortunate for my family," Jeev said.

Jeev's father, sprint legend Milkha Singh represented India in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, 1960 Olympics in Rome and 1964 Olympics in Tokyo.

Jeev will face competition from SSP (Chawrasia) and he cited that all he could do is try hard given his rankings isn't great.

"Olympics is there in my mind but my ranking is not great. I think SSP (Chawrasia) is number two behind Anirban Lahiri. He is playing well and there are many others who are also playing well. I will give it a try this time, if it happens fine, or else I have 2020 to look forward to," said the golfer.

In order to see Indian golf doing well in Olympics, the government needs to have a system in place and Jeev cited this reason and also stated that good golfers are emerging.

"I think the government needs to recognise that good golfers are coming out from India and they need to think like say let's have a system in place so that India's presence is felt," he added.

Jeev is competing at the Indian Open golf tournament starting on Thursday.

(With PTI inputs)