St. Joseph’s College rugby captain Teran Karunanayake played his heart out during the concluded inter-school season in which his team ended second best to Isipathana College in the League championship.
Karunanayake led his team to meet expectations and gave it everything. He not only led from the front but had to undergo several setbacks in losing some of his best players due to injury in the season. He himself suffered an unforgettable concussion in a match against Royal College but was back on his feet when the Joes signed off a successful season.
Karunanayake can look back at a season that was successful by way of results when compared to the fancied teams who fell low in the ranks without the kind of motivation that the Joes had.
In an interview with the Sunday Observer, Karunanayake said the experienced he gained in the concluded season has put him in good stead to face the years ahead.
“I wouldn’t change anything, but rather use it to look where I’ll be 20 years from now,” he declared.
Karunanayake tried several sports before rugby like athletics and boxing and has no regrets looking back.
Excerpts of the interview:
Q: Describe yourself in one word?
I would describe myself as an enthusiast
Q: Any words or phrases you overuse?
“Are you kidding me”
Q: If you could edit your past, what would you change?
I wouldn’t change a single thing. Because all of my past experiences have shaped me into the person I am today
Q: What is the most important thing in your life?
I would say friends and family among so many other things
Q: Who has influenced you the most?
My eldest brother
Q: Are you fashionable?
Absolutely
Q: If you had access to a time machine what would you change?
I wouldn’t change anything, but rather use it to look where I’ll be in 20 years
Q: What motivates you in your life?
Learning new things
Q: If you could choose any career right now, what would it be?
Motor racing
Q: What kind of music do you listen to?
R&B music
Q: What’s the best thing you would like to hear from someone?
Opinions that are motivating and positive
Q: What made you to choose sports?
As mentioned previously, I have always enjoyed learning new things. Since my childhood days I was engaged in different sports such as gymnastics, boxing and athletics. However, once I started playing rugby the love I had for it was incomparable which made me continue it.
Q: Thus far what was your most unforgettable sporting incident?
The concussion that occurred during the rugby league match between Royal College and St. Joseph’s College
Q: What’s your best school sporting achievement?
Being able to captain the First XV rugby team for the year 2022
Q: What is your idea of happiness?
To get away somewhere far away with my closest friends
Q: What is the trait you most deplore in others?
I deplore when someone lies to me or take advantage of me
Q: Most important lesson life has taught you?
“You can’t please everyone” is something that I’ve learnt and have always believed in. People may or may not like you.
They cannot give you the validation you seek. That has to come from inside. Therefore, speak up, stick to your guns, assert yourself when you need to and lastly stay true to yourself.