Mani Jegathesan
Encyclopedia
Tan Sri Dr Mani Jegathesan, fondly called the Flying Doctor for blazing the tracks around Asia
despite being a doctor, was an icon in the 1960s, regarded as the "Golden Era" of Malaysian athletics. In his hey day, he was regarded as the fastest man in Asia.
He is a renowned doctor and researcher and was appointed as Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF)
Medical Commission and honorary Medical Advisor for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
He is also currently the Deputy President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia
(OCM).
Asian Games
in the 100 m, 200 m and 4x100m Men's Relay events.
in 1966, Dr Jega became the first Malaysian to qualify for the final of the 220-yard (now the 200 m) race.
Forty years later, Dr Jegathesan not only became an accomplished athlete, renowned doctor and researcher but did the country proud yet again through his appointment as Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Medical Commission and honorary Medical Advisor for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
In an interview with the New Straits Times
, Dr Jega said it was indeed a great honour, both for himself and the country, to be appointed to such a high-profile position.
"But in whatever capacity, being part of the Commonwealth Games
in itself keeps the adrenaline pumping as it brings back fond memories," he said.
, namely Rome
(1960), Tokyo
(1964) and Mexico
(1968).
Dr Jega also has the distinction of appearing in two 200 m semi-finals in the Olympics and his time of 20.92 s, set in 1968 at the Mexico Olympics, still remains intact in the Malaysian athletics records book.
His 200 m record is probably the oldest in the records books but as much as he would love to see his record remain intact, he hopes Malaysian athletes would strive harder to not only smash his record but also reinstate the country's status as a leading power in athletics, just like in the 1960s.
"It is my sincere hope to see Malaysia emerge as an athletics powerhouse in the region and appear in the final of a major event like the Asian, Commonwealth or Olympic Games," he said.
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
despite being a doctor, was an icon in the 1960s, regarded as the "Golden Era" of Malaysian athletics. In his hey day, he was regarded as the fastest man in Asia.
He is a renowned doctor and researcher and was appointed as Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF)
Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games is an international, multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The event was first held in 1930 and takes place every four years....
Medical Commission and honorary Medical Advisor for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
He is also currently the Deputy President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia
Olympic Council of Malaysia
Olympic Council of Malaysia is the National Olympic Committee representing Malaysia.- External links :**...
(OCM).
Asian Games
In 1966, he earned the accolade of being the fastest man in Asia by winning three gold medals at the BangkokBangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
Asian Games
Asian Games
The Asian Games, officially known as Asiad, is a multi-sport event held every four years among athletes from all over Asia. The Games were regulated by the Asian Games Federation from the first Games in New Delhi, India, until the 1978 Games. Since the 1982 Games they have been organised by the...
in the 100 m, 200 m and 4x100m Men's Relay events.
Commonwealth Games
At the Kingston Commonwealth GamesCommonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games is an international, multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The event was first held in 1930 and takes place every four years....
in 1966, Dr Jega became the first Malaysian to qualify for the final of the 220-yard (now the 200 m) race.
Forty years later, Dr Jegathesan not only became an accomplished athlete, renowned doctor and researcher but did the country proud yet again through his appointment as Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Medical Commission and honorary Medical Advisor for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
In an interview with the New Straits Times
New Straits Times
The New Straits Times is an English-language newspaper published in Malaysia. It is Malaysia's oldest newspaper still in print , having been founded as The Straits Times in 1845, and was reestablished as the "New Straits Times" in 1965. The paper served as Malaysia's only broadsheet format English...
, Dr Jega said it was indeed a great honour, both for himself and the country, to be appointed to such a high-profile position.
"But in whatever capacity, being part of the Commonwealth Games
Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games is an international, multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The event was first held in 1930 and takes place every four years....
in itself keeps the adrenaline pumping as it brings back fond memories," he said.
Olympic Games
Dr Jega has competed in three consecutive Olympic GamesOlympic Games
The Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
, namely Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
(1960), Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
(1964) and Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
(1968).
Dr Jega also has the distinction of appearing in two 200 m semi-finals in the Olympics and his time of 20.92 s, set in 1968 at the Mexico Olympics, still remains intact in the Malaysian athletics records book.
His 200 m record is probably the oldest in the records books but as much as he would love to see his record remain intact, he hopes Malaysian athletes would strive harder to not only smash his record but also reinstate the country's status as a leading power in athletics, just like in the 1960s.
"It is my sincere hope to see Malaysia emerge as an athletics powerhouse in the region and appear in the final of a major event like the Asian, Commonwealth or Olympic Games," he said.