After a prolific career spanning almost 15 years wearing the national colours, Tharjini Sivalingam bid adieu to international netball. She was an inspiration as she wore the national jersey at 31 years of age as a late bloomer.
Releasing a statement on her official social media pages, Tharjini noted that she will continue her club career overseas. At a staggering height of 6 ft 9 in and fondly known as “Genie”, she rose to stardom as soon she stepped into the court in 2009. Genie also holds the record for the most capped netball player in Sri Lanka.
Here are some of Tharjini ‘Genie’ Sivalingam’s achievements:
- World's best shooter – 2011
- Best Asia Shooter – 2009, 2012
- Best Shooter of the Year, Fairest Player of City Falcon Award – 2017
- Asian Championship Player of the Tournament – 2018
- Most Popular Sports Personality of the Year – 2019
- Sports Icon Award – Maldives Sports Awards 2022
- Record for most points scored at a match – 77 against Singapore in 2019.
From the war torn North-East, she rose to be known as one of the best netball icons of modern day by breaking barriers and proving the world of what the beauty of sports is all about. Genie left fond memories and most importantly showed real courage to set an example especially for young women to never give up on their dreams no matter the harsh livelihoods under extremely hostile conditions.
It is clearly the end of an era for sports in general as the one-time oldest player to compete in a Netball World Cup says goodbye to her country at the age of 44 years.
According to reports, Tharjini is set to continue her club netball career in Australia after the conclusion of the World Netball Championships in South Africa.