Benika - the Most Valuable Player
Angu Rajendran
Benika Talagala has been playing basketball ever since she can
remember. She has been a member of the successful Mercantile team for
the last five years. She laughs as she says winning the nationals is
nothing new. She knew she was playing well but in all her humility she
says she did not expect to become the Most Valuable Player.
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Ireland’s Green Party Party leader John Gormley
(Foreground-R) walks with fellow party members out of the
Government buildings after announcing that they can no
longer continue in Government in Dublin, Ireland January 23.
Ireland’s Green party said it was pulling out of Prime
Minister Brian Cowen’s coalition government, in a move
likely to spark elections even earlier than those planned
for March 11. AFP |
Where and when did you start your basketball career?
When I was about eight at St Joseph’s Girls School. Every student of
St Joseph’s plays basketball or netball. It is just life at St Joseph’s
to play basketball.
Who inspired you to play? Ajit Kuruppu of course. He is a living
legend. He is the Father of Basketball in this country.
Where and when do you practise?
I practise everyday at St Joseph’s Girls School since the time I was
eight years old. I take at least 200 shots every day from about 5pm to
7.30pm.
What about your bank team’s practices?
Ajit Kuruppu is also the coach for Seylan Bank team so we all come
here for our practices.
Have you reached your peak yet?
I am playing well now. I am in the National team for the last five
years. I think now that I am 23, I will continue to play for about
another five years.
And after that?
I will concentrate on my family and job. “I will get married before I
stop playing basketball,” she adds hurriedly.
Will you marry a basketball player?
No definitely not. (She is in fits of laughter).
How does your mercantile team win the nationals year after year even
though you are all from so many different clubs and banks?
In fact we are all from different schools also like St Joseph’s. Our
Lady of Victories and others but we all practise at St Joseph’s. St
Joseph’s Girls School is like our second home. We come here every day
and we often help the juniors with their techniques and styles. This is
helpful not only for them but for us too. All the players are like one
big family.
Quick questions. The force behind you- National coach Ajit Kuruppu.
You fell in love with - basketball.
Your favourite shot - three pointers.
Your advice to youngsters - concentrate on the basics even if you are
in the national team.
Benika Talagala is proof positive that playing basketball can be not
just a life-long passion but a means to a livelihood. She has achieved
what most of us try to do - enjoy doing what we are doing.
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