Saman’s Squash blues

As Sri Lanka’s top ranked player. But found not good enough to make it to the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the SAF Games to represent the country from 2005’-06. Sad to mention, those who represented the country fared poorly. Squash is not a team sport. It is an individual game with total commitment.

Saman Tillekeratne, learned the rudiments of squash at St. Thomas’ College Gurutalawa at the age of 10 from his games master Mr. Lafir.. Therafter he received good support from late Nihal Kannangara . Saman says it was late Kannangara who turned a new leaf in his life as a foster father giving all the encouragement and backing. He says with gratitude “If I am somebody today it is thanks to Mr. Kannangara’s humanitarian act.

Q: Who coached you to climb the national ladder?
A: It was Shammi Silva the present chairman of the Gymkhana Club. It was a hard grind with him. No nonsense. It was all --mental toughness, fitness stamina, besides the skills. At present he is still a source of inspiration to me. Shammi is prepared to help those who deserve help.

Q: When did you win the first national title?
A: In 1989 against Sri Lanka’s No. 1, Gehan Fernando. I never looked back since then. Thereafter I won the national title 14-years-in-a-row till I lost the crown to Navin Samarasinghe last year. Navin has matured into a top-class player. That, too is owing to his international exposure, in Australia.
In the Bangkok Asiad in 1994 I won the Plate Championship

Q: When did you get your world ranking?
A: In 1996, I was ranked No. 98. France is my adopted home. There I got all the opportunities to compete against some of the best in the world. I had the opportunity of playing against world’s No. 1. Jonathan Power (Canada) which I lost in straight sets. In 1997 I also confronted the then world’s No. 1 Peter Decould (England).

Q: Since your childhood life was never a bed of roses.
A: Yes. Nothing came on a platter, come rain or sunshine work hard. No excuses. Age is no barrier in individual sports. Just not playing a one-off set.
One must possess a professional outlook in any walk of life. Today I am ranked No. 10 in France.

Q: What’s your livelihood?
A: Professional coach. I’ve to lead by example. At present I am Sri Lanka’s No. 1 and have been playing the game for 25 years. At 36 years I could still match some of the best in the trade and could serve the country’s cause at international level.
The present day youngsters here don’t have the determination despite the facilties and regular exposure. They are being groomed at national level. But not done justice for themselves or for the country. If one went by their recent performances. Look at master-blaster Sanath Jayasuriya at 36 years, he is giving of his best for the country. What has age got to do.

Q: Any setbacks you had to face in your career?
A: Sri Lanka’s top ranked player. But found not good enough to make it to the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the SAF Games to represent the country from 2005’-06. Sad to mention, those who represented the country fared poorly. Squash is not a team sport. It is an individual game with total commitment. I must say the federation headed by Rohan Anthonisz has picked players who have failed to make an impact at national level to go on a paid holidays. The president himself is answerable for this poor judgment. Just for the sake of giving exposure is not going to help develop the game in the country, especially among the men’s section.