The appointment of an interim committee for boxing is timely. This move is bound to resurrect the sport which was on the verge of extinction. There are more officials in boxing these days than boxers. This opinion which rings of sincerity was made by former boxing champion H.M. Marzook to the Sunday Times.
Marzook who rose to be one of Sri Lanka’s greatest fighters made a name for himself at St. Michael’s Polwatte, a school synonymous with boxing in the 60s. He is a past winner and best boxer at the Stubbs Shield (1965) in the Welter Weight category, represented Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) at the Indo-Ceylon boxing meet for three years (1963, ’64 and ’65). Toured India with the Schools Boxing team under astute boxers, the Bulner brothers - Malcolm and Michael where Sri Lanka triumphed at the dual meet 10-5.
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| H.M. Marzook (Pic by Rangi Akbar) |
Boxing with great skill Marzook won the National title for the first time in 1967 defeating Kumarasisi of Carey. He reigned supreme for eight years from 1967 to 1975 in the Feather Weight for St. Michael’s BC. 1967 also saw him being adjudged the Best and Most Scientific Boxer at the National Championships held at the now extinct Donovan Andree Stadium in Bambalapitiya.
He also bagged the Best Boxer’s trophy at the Nationals in 1970. In 1967 came his crowning glory when he bagged Bronze at the Asian Championships held at the purpose built Sugathasasa Indoor Stadium. It must also be recalled that H.K. Karunaratne of the Army won Gold at the Championship. It was with great pride that officials such as Eddie Gray and Major Kandiah paraded with Karunaratne “Karu” with great pride to the thunderous applause of those who witnessed the event. Karu did not box in the final as his opponent was injured and gave Karu a walk-over in the final.
Though Marzook did not get the attentions that Karu got, nevertheless he won a Bronze giving Sri Lanka a further fillip in the sport. Marzook boxed unabatedly winning the titles of the Best Boxer and the Most Scientific Boxer at the Clifford Cup and Layton Cup meets. Marzook is never short of words to his long time coach Anton John. In 1967 Major Kandiah took over Marzook’s coaching and in 1970 he led Sri Lanka to the Asian Championships in the Philippines and the Asian Games in Bangkok. In latter years he coached Hameed Al Hussaniya Colombo 2, St. Michael’s Polwatte, Zahira Colombo 2 and even S. Thomas’ Mt. Lavinia.
Marzook recalls that Hameed Al Hussaini won the Stubbs Shield under his tutelage and with a twinkle in his eye said that at that time the Principal of Hameed Al Hussaini had not even seen a pair of boxing gloves. It was only after Marzook’s efforts that boxing started to pick up at the institution.When questioned about the controversy that surrounded Manju Wanniarachchi being stripped of the Gold Medal he won at the Commonwealth Games and the subsequent decision by the Commonwealth Games Federation to strip him of his medal, Marzook said; “Manju is innocent, boxers are always innocent where matters of this nature are concerned. The fault lies on his handlers. They should know what medicines he is taking and who his doctor is.”
However Manju Wanniarachchi’s lawyer Kalinga Indratissa has drawn up plans to proceed with an appeal against the decision taken by the Commonwealth Games Federation to strip the boxer of his medal for doping. Kalinga Indatissa and C.R. De Silva legal representatives of Manju Wanniarachchi will now proceed to appeal against this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland as per the Commonwealth Games Federation guidelines on appeal.
Marzook is now Proprietor of Global Trading Company which deals in hotel equipment (machinery spares), kitchen utensils and electrical equipment. His business takes him to Singapore and the Middle East quite often. I was fortunate to catch up with him in between these trips for this interview. He spoke volumes of former sports writers who have given him publicity such as Carlton Seneviratne, Christie Seneviratne, N.E. Thangarajah and the former management of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., (Lake House) for the help he received.
Recently the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Ajith Nivard Cabraal spoke in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia after handing over Colombo’s bid to stage the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Hambantota which was ravaged by the 2004 Tsunami.
Sri Lanka will be up against Australia’s Gold Coast to host the Games, which takes place every four years, featuring 17 sports for athletes from more than 70 countries of former British Colonies.
Cabraal had said that the majority of the work in Hambantota, which hosted matches at the recent World Cup won by India, would be completed regardless of the bid.
The decision whether it will be Hambantota or the Gold Coast will be made on September 11.
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