Its Racketlon for Mervyn Fernandis after sparkling hockey journey

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Another of our effort to bring life and times of Indian hockey players, notably the former aces, to the forefront and also to the knowledge of GenNext – Editor

By NANDAKUMAR MARAR

Badminton was the fitness routine in monsoon months for Mervyn Fernandis in a distinguished hockey career. A World Cupper, both Junior ad Senior category, with three Olympic and many international tournament appearances, he turned to tennis after a retirement from competitive hockey.

Olymic goldie Mervyn Fernandis

“I realised the need for some sort of physical activity to maintain fitness since I was not going to play hockey regularly after Seoul Olympic Games 1988,” said the ex-India forward. “I had knee issues and ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament), so these two activities kept me in condition for hockey and helped me remain involved in sport afterwards.”

Racketlon is his latest passion (four sports played back-to-back and cumulative scores determining match result, starting with table tennis, badminton, squash and tennis in that order). Mervyn plays doubles in age group events, same for tennis where he competes in tournaments across India in the 60+ veteran category.

“Singles events are tiring. I preferred doubles so that playing sport remains a pleasure.” Rafiq Khotu was his doubles partner in the city, M Suresh teamed up for all-India tournaments.

A top-class inside forward in hockey, reputed for body swerves, game vision and instinctive passing, he wore the national colours at the Junior World Cup Hockey in Versailles, the Olympic Games at Moscow, the World Cup in Bombay, two Olympic Games in Los Angeles and Seoul respectively. His career also included match-winning performers for Indian Airlines in domestic hockey tournaments and National Hockey Championships. The combative edge comes out in tennis doubles, winning veteran categories in Nagpur, Pune and Hyderabad with different partners.

Ace triple Olympian

Mervyn enjoys discussing how badminton in the junior days helped him at hockey growing up. “Hockey on grass in those days was not possible in the four monsoon months in Mumbai, so I played badminton. If you look closely, the reflexes, movements and co-ordination necessary for badminton are similar to the qualities needed in hockey. I picked up the basics under Francis Mascarenhas at the Ordnance Factory Ambarnath club where I grew up.” Training and tournament play in hockey to reach world levels made him aware of what his body was capable of and in turn helped him get better at tennis”.

The Arjuna awardee in hockey and member of the 1980 Moscow Olympics champion squad said: “When I planned to retire after Seoul, hockey fitness was already there. I felt tennis is easier to adapt, especially doubles. You don’t need the fitness demanded to play hockey. The biggest advantage from hockey was anticipation on the tennis court. It came easy to me to guess which shot my opponent is going to play, down-the-line or cross-court   just by glancing across the net. Reaching the ball, hitting the angles also came easily due to conditioning developed over years on the hockey pitch.”

Mervyn with partner Rafiq Khotu (r)

He got a chance to take a swing first time at the Indian Airlines Sports Club, Kalina, on tennis courts made using cow-dung. “I purchased my first racquet, began hitting the ball against the walls, such was my interest.” The facility has been renovated and a hard court is the normal surface for competitions across the city and beyond. Hyderabad was his first veterans’ tennis tournament outside Mumbai. “I was working in Hyderabad for IA (officiating as Deputy General Manager and retired as Principal of the Flight Training School there).”

Nagpur, Pune, Goa have been other places he travelled to, chasing down the ball and following his tennis passion. “The credit for me getting into tournaments goes to Ajay Lakhotia from Goregaon SC. He invited me to a private club event in Mumbai and encouraged me to enter events outside the city. I realised that playing in open tournaments was possible,” said the ex-hockey international, who started in 55+ age group and now plays in 60+ category.

Mervyn is entangled in an engaging contest against Pakistan in an intense test series in the mid 80s

Alongside hockey, he continued following other sports. “I am a fan of Prakash Padukone and Roger Federer is my favourite tennis player. There were no videos in the 70s during my hockey days, we followed our badminton players’ progress in the newspapers. India hockey camps at NIS Patiala helped us develop friendships with the badminton players camping there. National badminton coach (T P S) Puri knew I was interested and permitted me to hit on the courts. During the 1982 Asian Games, hockey and badminton players were together.”

The tennis Grand Slams televised live kept him in touch with the sports, alongside his hockey preparations. “We used to watch the Wimbledon finals late into the night. Watching tennis live happened
last year at the Australian Open. I was present in Melbourne on a personal visit, enjoyed the matches as a fan.”

The World Cupper and Olympian also caught up with tennis ace Leander Paes there. “He is
close to the Indian hockey family (dad Dr Vece Paes was a member of the bronze winning men’s hockey squad at 1972 Munich Olympics) and playing men doubles. It was a happy meeting with another Olympic achiever (1992 Atlanta Olympics men’s tennis singles bronze).”

The badminton, tennis enthusiast is passionate talking hockey and what made him take up the sport in Ambarnath (outside Mumbai city) representing Ordnance Factory Ambarnath (OFA). “My dad (the late Joe Fernandis) was my mentor, my inspiration. In the olden days, putting the rival player off-balance was a valued skill. I learnt watching my father to hoodwink rivals”.

Veteran player and sports commentator Doraisamy rates Joe Fernandis on par with the triple Olympian VJ Peter.

Continues Mervyn: “Another aspect of hockey which I trained for was deceptive passing, your opponent has no idea of the direction you will hit the pass.  In whatever sport you play, deception is useful,” he said, adding: “In tennis when a rally is on, I employ the drop shot to catch rivals by surprise. It is tough for players on the baseline to change direction and reach the drop, in time for a return. Hockey is helping me here again.”

The Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana Racketlon this month is next in line. “Squash is the toughest among the four disciplines which make up a match. Table tennis I am familiar with, badminton I am training for and tennis I enjoy,” said the former forward, whose tricky moves and passing kept hockey fans on the edge of their seats once upon a time. “It may sound funny, like hockey I still get sleepless nights before a match visualising about my strategy on the tennis court.  Youtube training videos helps me get better in serving, especially on the second serve. You never stop learning in sport.”

***

www.stick2hockey.com is India’s oldest hockey website. Launched in 1999, the website, edited and owned by hockey historian and author K. ARUMUGAM, has covered all major tournaments and events with precision. www.stick2hockey.com is the first site in the hockey world to bring viewers live text commentary and duly entered the prestigious Limca Book of Records. If vintage stories are what you are looking for, this site is the right one for you. You will also find pictures, some of them among the rarest, images of precious newspaper clippings, match reports, news breaks, interviews, features, statistics and history on a site respected by one and all in the hockey world.

 

27 Comments

Rafik khotu December 15, 2020 - 6:00 am

Already feeling dizzy at the heights u have attained and proud to b your partner Merv….gbu with health

Mr Kaushal Cheema December 15, 2020 - 6:16 am

Excellent. We r always proud of u. Welcome to our Racketlon players world. I am sure ur going to inspire many players from other fields to come and join Racketlon.
Our support is always there. Please feel free to call or message any time.
Regards Cheema kk.
President Racketlon India sports association.
http://www.racketlonindia.co.in
kkc@racketlonindia.co.in

stick2hockey December 15, 2020 - 11:48 am

Thank you for your input. We wish success in your Racketlon effort – K. Arumugam, Editor

Arun Chopra December 15, 2020 - 6:24 am

Great.the nation is proud of you.what a inspiration to our future generation

A M Sundaresan December 15, 2020 - 7:01 am

A very beautiful n analytical presentation on Mervyn’s hockey career & other sports. Incidentally, I was Mervyn’s classmate in Fatima High School, Ambarnath. Thanks Mr Nandakumar for the write up on a Champion, a role model & a good human being I am always proud of.

Bharat Diwan December 15, 2020 - 7:02 am

I feel honoured that we are a part of your tennis group ,keep inspiring us and all around ..wow it’s such a good write up .

K.G.Hariharan December 15, 2020 - 7:09 am

My name is K.G.Hariharan. I knew Mervyn Fernandis since his school days. I was very close to their family. We were staying in Ordnance Estate, Ambarnath for many years. I have watched him learning to play hockey with his Dad Joe, his uncle Leo and some very good hockey players of MPF, Ambarnath. Hockey was his Passion. Dedication, discipline, hard work and proper guidance from his parents, especially his mother Peggy, and later, his wife Gail , transformed him into a hockey superstar in no time. His hockey career needs no mention. He used to be a reasonably good table tennis and badminton player. Of late, he has devoted a lot of time playing lawn tennis. He and his doubles partner, Mr.Rafique Khotu have won many doubles tennis tournament in Maharashtra and Goa. This new game of Racketlon has picked up very fast in Mumbai. It’s a very difficult ball game all together. I am very happy and overjoyed to hear that he has become a household name in this game also. Success seems to persue him every where. He is like King Midas. What ever he touches , turns to Gold. I wish him all the best in this new passion. I am sure Uncle Joe and Aunt Peggy are smiling from above.

stick2hockey December 15, 2020 - 11:46 am

Very nice of you Mr KG Hariharan for giving such an insight. We appreciate your effort – K. Arumugam, editor

Mahesh Shinde December 15, 2020 - 7:23 am

Mervyn is a perfect idol to follow when it comes to fitness, sports versatility, passion, endurance and above all sportsmanship.
He is a great guy on and off the court.
You are an inspiration Mervyn.

Rahim Contractor December 15, 2020 - 7:30 am

Enjoyed reading and knowing so many details of Merwin Fernandes’s hokey olympic journey and his venture into badminton and tennis sports later after retirement. Also very happy to know that he still conrinues to leave his mark by winming veteran tournaments in tennis and badminton and recently the Raquetelon held at Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana. Crudos and congradulations to him on his acheivments and wish him to continue doing so in future also.

stick2hockey December 15, 2020 - 11:49 am

Thank you Mr Rahim Contractor for our input. We appreciate your effort – K. Arumugam, Editor

Dinesh December 15, 2020 - 7:56 am

Congrats Mervyn, you are also a fun person to have around

Edwin Fernandes December 15, 2020 - 7:56 am

Super Mervyn. I have been following you since the 1980 Moscow Olympic days. Your exploits with IA in the Bombay Gold Cup and the Aga Khan tourneys, were the stuff only found in legerdemain! Those matches with PIA were epic.
I used to bunk work to make it to the BHA and Bombay Gym yo watch you play,
Congrats on your new found passion for Racketlon,
My best wishes

Anna Dsouza December 15, 2020 - 8:47 am

A great model for aspiring hockey lovers! God bless 🙏

Anil Canute Lobo December 15, 2020 - 9:25 am

Great achievements in sports! I believe he also has great achievements in the field of business!

Ram Kumar Seth December 15, 2020 - 9:40 am

informative, thanks

R. N Sharma December 15, 2020 - 9:45 am

A life of full fun. Happy sir

Purnima December 15, 2020 - 9:56 am

Yet another feather in your hat Mervyn. We have seen your dedication in whichever field you have entered. All the best, I am sure you will ace racketlon too. We, as ‘Indians’ and as ‘Air Indians’ are proud of you.

Romeo James December 15, 2020 - 10:41 am

Merv you have always been a champion for us,keep going I will be your fan follower in this sport too.All the best.Romeo James

stick2hockey December 15, 2020 - 11:50 am

Feeling nice to have your input on Mervyn here sir. Thanks too – K. Arumugam, Editor

Gautam Chakraborty December 15, 2020 - 10:51 am

What a nostalgic reading. Revived a very fond memories of watching him play for Indian Airlines and for India. Watched him from close quarters, one of my favorite moments of his game was the defence splitting scoop that would open doors for Zafar or Jalal to score goals.
Whichever sports he takes up, he excels in it. Proud to know him and I am blessed to have watched him play. May God Almighty bless him long and healthy life and continue to entertain us with his game.

stick2hockey December 15, 2020 - 11:51 am

Nice of you for sharing your valuable on hand experience. Thanks too. By K. Arumugam, Editor

Ajay Lakhotia December 15, 2020 - 5:35 pm

Dear Mervyn, Very encouraging and interesting carrier graph. Nothing can stops a true sports person from stepping on the play ground.. Myself and my school friends are your big fan since 1980’s. I felt honoured when you accepted to play local tennis tournament at GSC.. and after that you yourself found your way to enter into seniors tennis world.. wish, you will continue to play all sports and guide and encourage your fans.. Ajay

Sanjay P Sood December 16, 2020 - 4:40 am

He is all-rounder

Yash January 29, 2021 - 4:19 pm

Nice article

Nagesh Shetty April 13, 2021 - 9:51 am

Mervyn… A Great Player n a Fab Human being….Brought laurels to IA n Indian Hockey….. He’s a Person who will excel in any sport he takes up…… Born Khiladi….

Jaideep September 13, 2023 - 9:25 am

Very informative article. I knew the name Merwyn Fernandes from my school days in late 70’s and early 80’s. I was an avid reader of Sportsweek at that time. Also AIR would relay running commentary of India Pakistan test matches and Bombay Gold Cup. Along with Shahid and Zafar Iqbal, Merwyn formed a deadly trio. They were is full flow during the 1980 Moscow Olympics. I remember tuning to Jasdev Singh’s commentary and the nail biting final moments in the gold medal match against Spain. Pakistan was the top team during those times and our matches against them usually ended in heartbreak. As a sports fan, one of my worst moments was watching the 1982 Asiad final in New Delhi.

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