Dearest Yoga Sir, Till We Meet Again …
View(s):The 80′s to 90′s was our golden era. You dominated the athletic field having around 12 national record holders training under you at Torrington grounds almost every single day, morning and evening.
You were travelling from Kandy every day and I still remember, how we were waiting to start our warm up at 7am till you reach the grounds by 7.30 a.m. Even though you were travelling from Kandy, you always full of energy and you were never tired. You inspired us with your discipline. Never being late for training, always wears a very smart outfit.
You were really a role model for my coaching career. The way you disciplined and guided us, are really life lessons for us. I am really grateful to you for every single thing as all what was said by you plays a big role in my successful coaching career. You were always very strict during our training, but out of the field you were a very joyful human being, a very caring father figure to all of us.
I remember when I was selected to represent Sri Lanka for the Olympics in 1988 as the first female athlete, the authorities didn’t select you as my coach. As it was my third international competition running 100m hurdles I was very upset as a young athlete and I wanted to write to the association. You are the one who prevented me by saying, “during situations like these, you have to take decisions not by heart but from brain. It’s not supposed to be emotional but intelligent. ”
Sir, I still remember what you said thereafter: “I might get a chance to go to the Olympics as a coach in future but this might be your only chance to participate being the first female. So, you shouldn’t miss this opportunity.” Sir, unfortunately even though your athletes have represented Sri Lanka at the Olympics, you never got the opportunity to accompany them to the Olympic. Yet, you never fought for it or complained. You really valued your dignity.
I remember how you always encourage and advice all your athletes to build a professional career apart from athletics. Simply all your athletes are better off with their lives now and they all are very successful. We really look upto you always as our role model even after we gave up athletics. We were used to reaching out for your advice all the time. Your passing will leave a big hole in the lives of all of us and I am sure Sri Lanka sports will dearly miss your absence.
“What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word and one more advice. We may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.”
Rest in peace Dear Sir…You will live in our life forever
Thilaka Jinadasa