Elil Sethukavalar: Ready to take on the Netballing World
Elil (left with the ball). Pic by Indika Handuwala
She is a pillar of the netball team – both figuratively and literally (she is 193cm tall). She is from Jaffna and takes pride in the responsibility that comes from being a National Netballer, in putting 200% effort into team success, and in being a role model for others to follow.
Elil who is 24-years started playing netball in 2013, only 6 years ago, and today she is a Goal Shooter in the National Team.
Recognising her relatively recent start to her netball career, Elil brings an inquisitive and eager attitude to training – she enjoys all drills and skill sessions. Her best skills are those that involve “reaching and catching: I have very safe hands.” As a Goal Shooter, these are critically important with the team relying on you to convert their hard work into a goal, and Elil is more than capable of fulfilling this responsibility.
She first played for the National Team in 2018 for the Asian Championship where she demonstrated a very positive attitude, and showed she was ready to play at the highest level: “I can do this” was her very apt comment. During our interview, Elil recounts a number of occasions where her positive mindset comes through: It certainly seems that when the pressure is turned on Elil responds with her best, and this is both the case in netball and life – a truly admirable skill.
When she is not playing netball, Elil works at CDBF PLC, and she says this is important as it helps provide balance in her life and also benefits her netball. Skills like quick thinking, clear communication, and teamwork are necessary in both the office and on the netball court. Positive attitudes and a problem-solving approach, as well as working towards continuous improvement, are key to her success both on and off the court.
In preparing for the 2018 Asian Championships, Elil began to build the confidence that is necessary for success at the highest level and practice matches were an important part of this process. Now, a year later, and in preparation for the World Cup in July, Elil is taking this a step further. Practice matches have again provided a confidence boost, her shooting is smooth and accurate, and in the recently concluded Botswana series, Elil says she developed a sense that “I belong here”; that she really is at home at the highest level.
Reflecting on her career, decisions she had to make, and her pathway to the National Team, Elil voices a very important message: “When I was asked to come to Colombo for netball, I was one of the first girls [from Jaffna] to go, and there was a lot of opposition from my community that I had to face, but I wanted to come. I am grateful I have done this as it has given me a chance to mix with and learn from many other people. I love to go back to Jaffna and share this experience, and I want to encourage other people to do the same – both those from Jaffna, and those from Colombo. This [mixing and learning] will also help our society.”
In looking forwards for the coming months, she is excited about the opportunity to play at the World Championships – she has come a long way to get there. Demonstrating her commitment to the team she says “if our coach asks me to put in 100% effort, I am determined to give 200% . This is what I am doing at training and I will do the same at the World Cup.” She constantly reminds herself “what matters is to maintain a positive mindset: win or lose I will play well and give 200%.”
Elil is very grateful for the support from her parents, from coach Thilaka Jinadasa, and netball administrator Trixie Nanayakkara, who all assisted in her transition to Colombo.