Ananda turns a new chapter in aqua sport

Ananda College can be considered as relatively newcomers to swimming in earnest. However through sheer grit and determination they have proved themselves and broke the 30-year barrier of aqua dominated by Royal, S. Thomas’ and St. Joseph’s in their own forte. The Age Group National Schools Relay Championship organized by Sri Lanka Schools Swimming Association. Ananda, had some legendary swimmers in the past in the likes of brothers Boris and Geoff Marks, Dayananda brothers. They hailed from the home of swimming Ambalangoda and did proud with their individual efforts but, apparently not as a team.

The present hierarchy the old boys and the diehards of Ananda have got their act – together with their Principal B.A. Abeyratne, leading from the front. His idea of getting the services of L.V. Fernando, the former Royal College coach, and a national champion in the 1,500 M and 400M had really paid off. L. V. was also the Sri Lanka Water Polo captain for the South Asian Games in Hong Kong in year 2000. Since then he has taken over the mantle as Ananda’s head coach, in year 2001. Ananda, a force to be reckoned with in the schools aqua circuit.

Q: Is this your first assignment?
A: No. I was coaching Royal College for 11 years, producing swimmers who have excelled at national level, doing proud for the Reid Avenue school and for the country.

Q: After a successful stint. What made you leave Royal?
A: It was a challenge to me to groom young talent at grassroots level. All would like to coach schools like Royal, S. Thomas’ and St. Joseph’s Darley Road etc.

Q: Was it smooth sailing?
A: Yes. Thanks to the support and encouragement given by the Principal Mr. Abeyratne – the cog-in-the-wheel. Master-in-charge swimming Arosh Jayasinghe, the old boys (diehard supporters) aided and abetted by the parents. You could see for yourself swimming for all races, at this Ananda pool.

Q: Who are the national swimmers at present?
A: Pasan Thanuja and Dinesh Dayananda from the famous Dayananda clan. Ananda is serving the national cause making Public Schools Swimming – more competitive.

Q: What attributes to their success?
A: They are totally committed. Prepared to listen and learn. They possess stamina, strength and endurance and mental toughness.

Q: You took over in year 2001. At the start how many swimmers?
A: Only 15 registered swimmers. Today over 200 registered with the Sri Lanka Swimming Association (NAASU). Out of this 70-80 swimmers, regularly attending practice sessions.

From grade one to year ten are being trained. Imagine kids coming at 5-30 a.m. (morning) with their parents and undergoing training. Have their breakfast and go back to the classroom at 7.30 a.m. to pursue their studies. In its wake it is not a miracle for Ananda swimming to hit the pinnacle.

In year 2003 Ananda broke the 30-year hoodoo at the National Schools Age Group championship/ To win the overall Age Group Championship/ With many records created. Hitherto dominated by Royal, S. Thomas’ and St. Joseph’s Darley Road. It was a great team effort allround.

Won five times in the last six years, the Age Group Championship and also performed a hat-trick maintaining their winning streak 2005, 06’ and ’07. The Maroon and Gold swimmers have come out of the marshy land. Today they are swimming in balmy blue waters with their consistent performances doing proud to the school and for the country.

Q: It must be hard grinding for you?
A: Yes. but enjoy job satisfaction. That’s what matters in the end.

Q: Who is assisting you?
A: S.W. Bandula an experienced and dedicated coach from Galle. He’s doing an excellent job.