Olympian ‘Ethir’ passes away
Dr. Nagalingam Ethirveerasingam, a revered figure in Sri Lankan athletics, passed away at the age of 89 on Friday in the USA. Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Dr. Ethirveerasingam’s journey to greatness began at Jaffna Central College, where his athletic prowess first emerged. In addition to his achievements in athletics, he was also a skilled cricketer, although his cricketing talents often remained overshadowed by his athletic feats.
Dr. Ethirveerasingam proudly wore his nation’s colours at the 1952 Helsinki and 1956 Melbourne Summer Olympic Games. His dedication and skill were further showcased at the Asian Games, where he participated in three consecutive events in 1954 (Manila), 1958 (Tokyo), and 1962 (Jakarta).
It was at the 1958 Tokyo Asian Games that Dr. Ethirveerasingam etched his name in history, securing Sri Lanka’s first-ever gold medal with a remarkable performance of 2m in the Men’s High Jump event. At the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta, he cleared a height of 1.98m, winning the silver medal.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Dr. Ethirveerasingam’s impact extended far beyond the track and field. He dedicated himself to academia, teaching at universities across the globe, including stints in Sierra Leone, Papua New Guinea, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka. His passion for education led him to work with UNESCO, where he contributed significantly to the field of learning and development.
Dr. Ethirveerasingam’s influence was not confined to the realm of sports and academia; he was also a mentor and guide to aspiring athletes. The former AAA Secretary Prema Pinnawela commended his mentorship that played a pivotal role in shaping the career of high jumper Manjula Kumara Wijesekera, who went on to achieve great success on the international stage.
May he rest in peace.