When we walked into the university we didn't know what’s going on at inter university sport meets until first SLUG at Kelaniya. We thought it’s like school sport competitions. But we changed our sides. Sometimes we played with our team mates at school. We played under Team Pera; the most beautiful Uni in Sri Lanka that gave us proud. We were champs before last round with a record able score. That year Pera won the overall championship for the last time(2007).

The chapter of Captain was the hardest part and most enthusiastic part at my whole Pera chess memory. We lost  three big heads before year(2009).We needed to secure our championship since we got three consecutive championships at Inter Uni matches.

 

 SLUG 2010 – Men’s Champions

Before practice we set out initial position fourth.-"Practice as if you are the worst, perform as if you are the best." Then set our target to become a champion with recordable score.We dreamed it every day.We started our works immediately after previous Inter Uni.We got bunch of players but it was not enough compete with strong oppositions.-“Never underestimate your opponents”.

We didn’t blame on we lost big heads but we motivate players that we got to play tournament as much as they can.We didn’t blame our players.We didn’t command but we asked.We didn’t inspire fear but generates enthusiasm.-"When we blame, we give away our power." We didn’t have coaches and we didn’t want them either.We didn’t blame but we fixed."Experience is the best teacher of all”.First I gave boost with selecting to National pool and to our team mates follow my steps.-"example is better than precept" .We know we got other academic works as well but as sportsman’s we have ability to manage both.

We organized many event with our family.We spread our family tree.-We didn’t say “Go”,but said “Let’s Go”.Last week before Inter Uni we ready and everyone knew we were capable enough.”Well begun is half done”.

Party Before 2011 Inter Uni

 Finally we did it.That Gold wasn't a my achievement but our chess family.It’s not fair if I forget our vice captain (Namal) .Without his responsibility,his dedication that year our goals could become a dream.And also Rajeendra(now chess captain,president-sports council ); he played a main role behind our victory with planning,  preparations and everything.And all other our team mates and all our chess family did their best to achieve our goal.We lost many things but we didn’t depend on authority but goodwill.

My Inter Uni life ended up with 5 Gold’s with 2 SLUGs without loses.It’s hard to fill all four year memory within this short post but hope young Pera bloods get some boost from this.And hope all remembered Our disciplines should show we are undergraduates not childish players.We should responsible for keep our proud of the University and respect of the University undergraduates.

 

 We always thought we are the champions.We couldn't think as losers (I mean even runner ups).We believe that lead us to this winning track.Inter University is the arena for sport’s men and women  to show and an one big festival comes in a year.

Wish you all the very best for upcoming Inter UniGames.Be a part of a Champion Team Pera.

   

By Rasika Bandara

Former Chess Captain of UOP [ 2010]