SUSTAINING six broken ribs from a harrowing accident less than two months ago, former Olympian Datuk PLBS Peyadesa found himself in critical condition. However, the resilient 76-year-old not only survived but has made a remarkable recovery to pursue his passion – coaching young children at his weekly athletics training at Polo Ground.
Affectionately known as Peya in the athletics fraternity, he was riding his motorcycle home after visiting a sick Thambu Krishnan at the Penang Hospital when he was knocked down by a cement mixer lorry on Dec 20.
“Initially, I did not feel any pain. Someone called the ambulance and while waiting for it to arrive, I began to feel the pain.
“I spent six days at the Penang Hospital and another six days at a private hospital. Both institutions did a good job, inserting a chest tube to drain out the blood,” Peya recalled.
For several days, the excruciating pain prevented him from sitting up. Against the odds, he achieved a remarkable recovery and was discharged from the private hospital on Jan 2.
A month into his recuperation, Peya could not wait to get back to the field. On Feb 3, he resumed his weekly coaching. Today marks his second session with the boys and girls since the accident.
“Simply staying at home with nothing to do can be boring. Even with some lingering pain, I don’t mind continuing with coaching. I have been running this programme for over 35 years, and as long as I am alive, I will persist in coming and coaching them.
“Essentially, my programme aims to make young children aware of the importance of fitness. Therefore, my drills focus on the basics and endurance. I also incorporate some fun activities for them,” Peya shared in an interview at the Polo Ground with Buletin Mutiara today.
Peya proudly represented Malaysia at the 1972 Munich Olympics in the 4x400m alongside the late Thambu Krishan, S. Sabapathy, and Hassan Othman. Together, they achieved a national record, clocking 3:13.51 and finishing sixth in the heats.
A year later, at the 1973 SEAP Games (now known as SEA Games) in Singapore, Peyadesa, Sabapathy, Harun and Victor Asirvatham clinched the gold medal in the 4x400m relay by setting a Games record of 3:11.2.
Over the years, Peya has nurtured numerous champions from the Penang schools (MSSPP), national schools (MSSM), state and national levels. Notable athletes include 2014 Sukma 10,000m winner Calvin Boon Chang Yik, former marathon record holder K. Baskaran and K. Shanmugam.
During his competitive days, Peya consistently ran the 400m in under 48 seconds. He concluded his athletic career upon retiring as a corporal warden with the Prisons Department in 1998.
Peyadesa’s son, Preemadesa, a former top national university runner currently serving as a principal engineer in a multinational company in Penang, lends his support to the coaching sessions whenever his schedule permits.
Reflecting on his father’s resilience, Preemadesa remarked: “What I can say about my father is that he is a fighter. Thankfully, the lorry only collided with his motorcycle, but not with him directly.
“The general hospital did a good job, and from there I transferred him to a private hospital where he received more personalised attention. That accelerated his recovery.
“On top of it, he fought and never gave up. Speaking with some of the former athletes, you can discern the difference because they never surrender. They embody the fighting spirit,” Preemadesa said.
Peya has about 20 athletes training under him, some of whom were not present today due to the Chinese New Year celebration and the ongoing school holidays.
Among the parents who entrusted their children to Peya’s coaching is one couple, Kumaradeva Sooriakumawr, 34, a technician in Toshiba, and his wife, Narmatha Nagendra, 33, an insurance agent. Their six-year-old daughter, Manisha Pillai, has been part of the team for two years.
“Peya was my coach when I was involved in middle-distance running. I am delighted that he can now coach my daughter.
“She has a keen interest in athletics and looks forward to training every Saturday. We observe her progress and appreciate the improvement in her discipline.
“We were deeply saddened when Peya sustained injuries in the accident. We prayed for his speedy recovery, and just one month later, he is back. It truly reflects his sacrifice and dedication,” Kumaradeva said.
During Peya’s hospitalisation, several friends, including Penang State Sport Council director Harry Chai Heng Hua, and 1976 Asian Games 400m gold medallist Saik Oik Cum, visited him to provide moral support.
“We greatly appreciate Peya’s invaluable contribution to the development of athletics. I advised him to take a complete rest for a full recovery,” Chai said.
In 2020, Peya was awarded the Datoship title during the Penang governor’s birthday celebration, based on the recommendation of the state government in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions.
The training sessions take place every Saturday from 8am to 10am at Polo Ground. Peya welcomes those interested in enrolling their children for training.
Each training session starts and ends with the young children giving their coach a high-five, a gesture that shows their respect and gratefulness towards their humble mentor.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by K.H. Ong and courtesy of interviewees