Mervyn still champion
J R Rosairo
Former Senior Supdt of Police, Mervyn Fernando, having recently
turned 69, is still the robust and agile tennis player that the country
and especially the Police Department where he assiduously worked for the
past 40 years should be proud of. As a Police officer he gave of his
best first of all in upholding the laws of the land and secondly as a
great wielder of the racquet.
|
Mervyn Fernando seen here with his trophies |
Mervyn won the Veterans over 65 Championships at the 95th Sri Lanka
Tennis Nationals held last month in Colombo and worked out by the Sri
Lanka Tennis Association. Indeed, this was the third consecutive year
which Mervyn was able to capture the singles championships in the
veterans over 65 as well, his previous records not falling short of this
recent achievements.
At the Tennis Nationals for veterans over 45 and 55 year categories,
he was able to win both singles and doubles on several instances as
well. No doubt, in the Police Department, he was a much sought after
person having led the Police Department to victory in the Inter Club
singles and doubles in Divisions 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 and as an inborn
wielder of the racket, he did achieve victory at club tournaments such
as SSC, Otters, queens, Cosmopolitan and also in other championships
both in singles and doubles.
On his retirement he undertook to coach police teams and was also
instrumental in bringing young officers to participate in the game.
He went a step further to organise tennis matches with his
counterparts in India and Germany with the blessings of the former IGP,
T E Anandarajah, Senior DIGs, Messrs P B Ekanayake and Randeniya, the
Threesome, Tennis enthusiasts.
Fernando, the brilliant policeman during those heydays and now in
blissful retirement at 69 still remains the vibrant player he was and
perhaps keeping in close touch with his second love.
His daily practice which is a must deeps rejuvenating his physic and
keeping him fit to face yet another challenge. Always ready to face his
advisory at any given time, he was and is the indefatigable player of
that wonderful game of tennis. |
