Meet Minuga, a passionate 13-year-old cricketer from Mathugama C.W.W. Kannangara Central School. His enthusiasm for cricket and swimming knows no bounds. Minuga resides in Mathugama with his loving parents and grandparents. As the only child, he has thrived in an environment filled with support and encouragement, allowing his talents to blossom. He has a penchant for sports and a knack for creativity through drawing.
Minuga is a well-rounded individual with a zest for life. Join us as we delve into Minuga’s journey, exploring his achievements, aspirations, and the drive that fuels his pursuit of excellence in both sports and academics.
Can you tell us about yourself?
I’m Karunamuni Minuga Disas de Silva, a 13-year-old student at Mathugama C.W.W. Kannangara Central School. I live in Mathugama with my parents and grandparents and I’m an only child. Besides studying, I’m really into cricket and swimming and I also enjoy drawing in my free time.
Since when have you been playing cricket?
I’ve been playing cricket for about two years formally, but I’ve been playing casually since I was young. I represent both my school team and an academy.
Could you tell us about your training and coaches?
Of course. In the 2022-’23 period, Senaka sir was my coach at school and now Shriyan Fernando sir guides us. At the academy, Sadeep Silva sir is our head coach and Indika sir assists him. They’ve all played a crucial role in honing my skills.
What position do you play in cricket?
I’m a right-hand batsman.
Do you have any cricket idols?
Yes, Virat Kohli is my cricket idol. His exceptional batting skills and admirable personal qualities have always inspired me to strive for excellence on and off the field.
How do you assess our local team’s performance?
Our local team has potential, but consistency is sometimes an issue. We have to be working on improving our performance steadily.
What skills do you think you need to improve as a cricketer?
Firstly, fitness plays a crucial role in cricket as it directly impacts performance on the field. Being physically fit allows me to endure long matches, maintain concentration, and execute skills effectively.
Secondly, discipline is equally important in cricket. It’s not just about talent but also about having the mental strength to stay focused, committed, and dedicated to constant improvement.
How important is discipline in cricket?
Discipline is crucial in cricket. It’s not just about on-field performance but also about accepting wins and losses gracefully and sticking to a rigorous practice routine.
Can you share your fitness plan with us?
I focus a lot on running exercises and maintaining a healthy diet. Both are essential for staying fit and performing well on the field.
What’s your personal best performance in cricket?
My personal best is scoring 110 runs during a match against Agalawatta Mihindu Vidyalaya, representing SS academy. It was a memorable moment for me.
What’s your dream in cricket?
My dream is to play for the Sri Lankan National Team one day. Representing my country on the international stage would be an incredible achievement.
How do you balance cricket with your studies?
Balancing cricket and studies is challenging, but I make sure to attend practice sessions regularly and manage my time efficiently for studies. Equality between practice and classes is crucial.
You’re also into swimming. Can you tell us more about that?
Yes, I started swimming in Grade 2 and I participate in school practices regularly. I’ve competed in various swimming meets and even secured Third place in the All-Island Freestyle event in 2022.
Any special person you’d like to thank for your achievements?
I’m immensely grateful to my father for his constant support and encouragement. He’s been there for me since the beginning, just like my grandfather, who shares my passion for cricket. Their guidance means a lot to me.
PHOTOS © SAMAN ABESIRIWARDENA