Let Susantha be recognized for his untiring efforts

by Reemus Fernando

Ratnayake Central prodigy Tharushi Karunaratne’s historic achievement at the Asian Games is being praised by all and sundry. From heads of sports bodies to nincompoops in the political establishment have been calling the Sri Lankan track and field contingent in China’s tech hub, Hangzhou during the last few days to congratulate country’s first gold medallist at these Games in more than two decades. Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a cash reward of rupees ten million. According to the Sports Ministry reward scheme Karunaratne’s gold and bronze medals are worthy of a cash reward of Rupees 20 million. The teenager is getting the deserved plaudit for her rare accomplishment in the women’s 800 metres final though the price tag hardly reflects the true value of the medals.

However, it is arguable whether Susantha Fernando, the architect behind the huge success and the coaches of other athletes would get the due recognition for their services.

Not many, including the National Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports expected Sri Lanka track and field team to do well at the quadrennial Games if the changed travel itinerary is of any indication. The ticketing arrangements for the track and field team were such that they were scheduled to return to the country just a day after their events concluded though the NOC-Sports Ministry officials who were making a ‘pilgrimage’ to Hangzhou were scheduled to stay there until the end of the closing ceremony. But things changed after the track and field team won four medals, one gold, one silver and two bronzes. The NOC suddenly changed the itinerary. The athletes too were asked to stay at the Games Village until the end of the closing ceremony so that the NOC officials who were purely depending on cricket for medals during the recent past, could accompany the track and field team when they land to a hero’s welcome in Colombo.

No celebration would have been possible if the likes of Susantha Fernando did not go out of their way to train these athletes.

Sports Ministry’s reward scheme offers ‘peanuts’ for successful coaches.

The contribution Susantha Fernando has made to country’s track and field success is immeasurable. It is doubtful whether authorities have made stock of Fernando’s contribution. He has been the guiding light to many an athlete during their teenage years at Ratnayake Central, which is the most successful Sports School in the country due to his commitment.

Fernando, Tharushi’s parents, officials of Ratnayake Central and the Department of Education of the Central Province should be credited for backing the budding athlete. There had been few private institutions coming forward to support country’s track and field teams during this year but there were many reasons for the youngster to give up athletics. When the authorities at Digana Sports Complex refused her entry for not paying fees and when she missed a valuable opportunity to compete in one of her disciplines at the World Junior Championships due to a faux pass she almost gave up. If not for the timely intervention and the motivation by Fernando she would have given up.

Fernando’s yeoman service at Walala is exemplary and he deserves recognition for his contribution. Will the authorities take this historic opportunity to appreciate the unsung hero?