Born on 2nd April 1959 in Mumbai, Mervyn was a natural athlete and shone in every sport he played in school. He played for the Indian Airlines in the domestic circuit, and made Junior India spurs in 1975. He led India at the 1979 Jr World Cup. He made his senior international a year ago at the Asian Games. He played three Olympics from 1980 to 1988. He was also coach of the Indian team for a brief period in which spell India won the Pre-Asian Games gold at Bangkok in 1998. He was awarded Arjuna in 1992.