Sports

Sports

A Walk Down Memory Lane
'Thurai' A sportsman to emulate
By Bernie Wijesekera
If one ascertains Royal College and Sri Lanka Sports, Major General (Dr.) C. Thurairaja, has left an indelible mark. Better known as 'Thurai' the healing soldier has created many firsts on and off the field.

It can't be measured but has to be treasured. As a schoolboy in the early 50's he excelled in many fields - winning colours for cricket, rugby, basketball and badminton. The soft-spoken 'Thurai' is the first Royalist to win colours in four sports. He played cricket under Ranjit de Silva ( later Dr. Ranjith de Silva) and rugby with the likes of late C.V. Gooneratne, Lionel Almeida. Royal retained the 'Bradby Shield' in 1955, under C.V. Gooneratne beating Trinity 6-0.

Entering the University he continued his sporting career adhering to the Royal motto -, "learn our books and learn to play the game. He won four University colours and was adjudged the 'Outstanding Sportsman of the Year' award for Colombo and Peradeniya in 1962. Dr. Thurairaja was interviewed by the Sunday Times (May 8, Sunday) prior to his departure to Tokyo to attend the International Sports Medicine Congress on May 12. He will present a paper for muscle injuries in sports.

Q: In what way have you achieved in sports medicine, whom have you helped here at international level to overcome injuries?
A: I was the founder President of Sri Lanka Sports Medicine Federation. I was also the Vice-President Asian Federation of Sports Medicine. Executive Committee member Education Committee (FIMS). Lecturer for Sports Medicine courses for FIMS and AFSM. I have conducted lectures over 12 countries in the region. Contributor and resource FIMS team Physician manual for doctors compulsory text for sports medicine.

Shortly I will conduct a diploma course in sports medicine at the Post Graduate Institute of Medicine to train doctors, working with Prof. Rohan Jayasekera and Dr. Wijewardena. Served as team physician Davis Cup team, Rugby Asiad 1990, National Cricket Medical Committee, 1996 Athletics Association, Asian Games squads, SAF Games etc.

At international level (individuals) W. Wimaladasa (a rural lad who ran around Alawa paddy fields) before he joined the Army. He has many firsts. In 1966 with SLB Rosa at the Asian Games nursed them to be fit and strong to overcome nagging injuries. In the end did proud for the country. H.K. 'King' Karunaratne won a 'gold' in the South Asian boxing championship in 1967 organized by late Eddie Gray - a legend in Sri Lanka administration. 'Karu' had a bad cut to his eye-brow before the semi-finals. Put it right. He joined as a Sapper and ended as a commissioned officer. Died under tragic circumstances in Jaffna. His son Yuganthara plays rugby for CR and FC.

Q: What is the other best moment in your trail-blazing career worthy of mention?
A: In 1991, during the time of late President R. Premadasa, I brought in doping control test at the SAF Games held here. It proved a success.

Q: What is the cornerstone for success in international sports?
A: 1. Qualified coach, 2. Doctor, 3. Physical trainer. It's a 'must'. Apparently here it’s not adhered to among some sports bodies.

Q: Some players with hidden injuries go on tour. Apparently they are made to look mere tourists due to shortsightedness of controlling bodies.
A: Yes, there is a point in what you say. They had to be tested by a qualified doctor in sports medicine. In one instance I advised a cricketer to lay off for some time. But, he was still picked on tour and broke down. Had to return home. Rugby is a body contact sport. A doctor in attendance is a 'must'. Sad to mention, put aside a doctor not even a physic in most games. This is the bounden duty of the referee before the start of a game. Further the controlling body must make it compulsory for the host team - including school games. I must commend Dr. Daya Athukorale, for he is doing an excellent job for rugby with total commitment.

Q: In your retirement from field sports you are spending much time at the RCGC golf links. Any achievements?
A: I was the senior golf champion for the last nine years. I was also the annual gold medal winner Nuwara Eliya Golf Club for eight years. Took part in the amateur world Team championship in Portugal - 1976, with Pin Fernando, Sohli Captain and Willie Barsenbach. Then I became the Club championship winner in Colombo and Nuwara Eliya. Represented Sri Lanka golf in India and Pakistan.

Top