Ghefari - one of the finest swimmers produced by Sri Lanka

LESLIE FERNANDO

Ghefari Dulapandan former Sri Lanka, S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia and SSC swimmer was one of the best male swimmers produced by Sri Lanka.

This elite swimmer has captained the Thomian swimming team with distinction and also have been the men’s and overall captain of the Sri Lanka swimming team at several international meets.

National level

Firstly he was won more laurels for his alma mater, S. Thomas’ in a big way helping the school to win several public schools and open titles at national level. Then gradually the experienced swimmer has brought honour and glory to the country winning medals and diplomas at Asia Pacific Age Group Swimming Championships and South Asian Federation Games.

An incident of drowning in the family circle brought out a champion swimmer in Ghefari Dulapandan, the swimming star a household name in the sport at one time.

When Ghefari was around nine years old he had the horrifying experience of seeing his cousin drown in the sea off Weligama. If only his cousin had known to swim, he would not have died and with this thought Ghefari began to learn swimming.

This Thomian schoolboy came right to the top in the Senior School Swimming and Diving Championships in 1992, he improved on 25 year old record which stood to the credit of another famed swimmer Ananda Ranasinghe of Royal College. When Ranasinghe established his record in the 100 metres free style in 1968 Ghefari was not even born. Ananda Ranasinghe created his record in 1968 seven years before Ghefari was born. The national swimmer Ghefari was swimming in his first meet after arriving from Australia undergoing a training stint.

On the first day of the Senior Pubs, Ghefari broke two records in the 4 x 100 metres individual medley and 200 metres free style.

Second day

On the second day when Ghefari was relaxing by the pool side the writer asked him whether at this third event he was to take part he could break the 25 year old mark in the 800 metres. Certainly yes, I am determined to do it he said and he did it.

Blessed with a good start, Ghefari set the pool ablaze as he powered his way to post his name into the record sheets. Finishing 9.40.9 secs against the 25 year old existing mark of 10.13.06 seconds of Ananda Ranasinghe. After he touched first clipping off Ranasinghe’s mark by 32.97 he received a tremendous ovation from the spectators.

He was first under Asela Jayampath, a former SSC swimmer. Asela introduced Ghefari to late Razvi Zain and requested him to take charge of him.

Ghefari took to competitive swimming under Rizvi Zain and in 1984 won the free style, dolphin and breast stroke boys under - 10 at the novices championships. In 1985, he won the Pentathlon Championships.

From then on Ghefari did not look back. He participated in the Junior Public Schools Championships, National age group, National school games, and the Junior and Senior Nationals. Ghefari emerged champion swimmer in all age groups under-10, under-12, under-14, under-16 and under-18. Altogether 41 records were established by Ghefari since 1985.

Due to the consistent performance he was selected by NAASU to tour Japan in 1989 for the Asian Age Group meet. He won a diploma in the 13-14 years in Fly Event.

He gained national recognition in 1991 when he was selected for the Colombo SAF Games. Ghefari, youngest of the men’s swimmers at the games proved his capabilities winning a silver in the 200 metres fly and a bronze in the 200 metres individual medley.

Asia Pacific Age

Prior to this he participated in the 5th Asia Pacific Age Group Meet in Singapore (won a diploma). From then onwards he has taken part in APAGS meets and SAF Games in China, India, South Korea, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, Pakistan and won number of medals.

Ghefari went on a swimming scholarship to Australia for a period of two and half months arranged by the NOC. He was coached by Glenn Beringen. Glen was a former Commonwealth Games gold medallist in both 100 and 200 metres breast stroke. He was highly impressed by Ghefari’s performances in Australia and in appreciation he was presented with the Australian Colour Badge.

In addition to his swimming prowess, Ghefari was also an outstanding athlete having represented S. Thomas’ at the Public Schools Meet and National School Games.