Mani Jegathesan

Tan Sri Dr. Jegathesan Manikavasagam (born 2 November 1943),^[1] fondly called the Flying Doctor of Malaysia for blazing the tracks around Asia despite being firstly a medical student then 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 served the government health service for 32 years including the posts of Director of the Institute for medical research and Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Malaysia

He is a Medical 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 served as Chairman of the Medical Council, and the Anti-Doping Commission of the Olympic council of Asia.

He has served as the Deputy President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).

Sports Involvement

Asian Games

In 1966, he earned the accolade of being the fastest man in Asia by winning three gold medals at the Bangkok Asian Games in the 100 m, 200 m and 4 × 100 m Men's Relay events.

Commonwealth Games

At the Kingston Commonwealth Games in 1966, Dr Jega became the first Malaysian to qualify for the final of the 220-yard (now the 200 m) race.

Dr Jegathesan was not only an accomplished athlete, doctor and researcher, but held important responsibilities 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 a great honour, to serve his country.

"But in whatever capacity, being part of the Commonwealth Games in itself keeps the adrenaline pumping as it brings back fond memories," he said.

Olympic Games

Dr Jega has competed in three consecutive Olympic Games, namely Rome (1960), Tokyo (1964) and Mexico (1968).

Dr Jegathesan qualified for two 200 m semi-finals in the Olympics and his time of 20.92 s, set in 1968 at the Mexico Olympics, still remains 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 take down his record and to reinstate the country's status as a leading power in athletics, as it did 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.

References

Sports Reference