ThePapare.com called upon the ultra-luminous basketball player Umair Naleer of Colombo International School Kandy to catch up with an exclusive Q&A interview.
The lad who is 18 years of age has become a notable and popular player in the Sri Lanka schools basket ball arena mastering to greater heights with an extravagant rendition of leading victory for his side. Let’s see what he has to say…….
01. Q. How did you become extremely good at the game?
A. Well it’s simple. It’s something that I worked for every single day of my life. From the time I fell in love with the game, I knew what I wanted to do it with my life. I was hungry for the game, so day in and day out I practiced just so that I can be the best ball player I could be. It just runs in your blood, if you want to be good at something and if you want it real bad, you got to show effort and show dedication; basically nothing else matters. And that’s what I did, I wanted to be the one that the team trusts to give the ball to take the game winner. Practice. It’s about practice. It’s all about practice, first to enter the court and the last to leave. Most of the days I take shots until I can’t feel my arms. I push myself to the limit and make sure every practice is like my last. All of this sounds clichéd but it is the honest truth.
02. Q. What are the stringent work ethics and practices that you carry out?
A. “Focus on belief. Belief and work ethic..Strive to be the best you can be and that always starts with believing in yourself wholeheartedly.”- this basically sums up my mindset but factors like hard work and dedication plays a pivotal role. I do not know anyone who has gotten to the top without hard work. That is the recipe. It no longer becomes an option, it becomes a necessity. Every practice, every gym session I gave it my all- like anyone who’d want a taste of success would. I constantly watch the pro’s playing and learn from them as a means of improving my game – Iverson’s crossover, hands down was the best move I’ve learnt. Every game for me is a mix of emotions and I love that part of this game. It just makes me put in all I got for every crucial game and at the end I make sure I enjoy what I’m doing. And to enjoy what I’m doing, I have to win. It’s all about winning and nothing else matters. Once you slightly taste victory, you want the same thing all the time and that’s what drives me. After awhile, working hard, playing hard and learning just becomes a lifestyle. Basketball becomes a lifestyle.
03. Q. Where and how it all began?
A. Everyone has their humble beginnings. It all started 8 years ago when I joined the ball club just to pass time. I never knew that ball and basket would make me complete. Although everything seems to be a blur, my humble beginning started at our school court which was probably the size of a tennis court, with the 3 point line as the same distance of a free throw line. I remember anticipating every Saturday to go shoot hoops at the local YMCA (coached by Mr Pingamage) in the centre of Kandy town which would be uncomfortably crowded by amateurs, just like me at that time. I remember the countless hours I put in the garage practicing ball handling drills. And I remember it was my brother who kept pushing me into playing this game and I’m extremely grateful for that. This was my humble beginning and I thank God for leading me into this path.
4. Q. Strengths and weaknesses in your journey so far?
A. My strengths have definitely been my desire to win, my desire to put 110% on the floor and to not give in until the final whistle blows.
My strengths basketball wise is my jump shot, my handles, my speed and my defense. My weakness basketball wise is my rebounding.
5. Q. What kind of a role would basket ball play in your future?
A. I hope basketball will be my future, and if God wills, it will be. But whatever happens basketball will always be a part of me because the love for the game, I don’t think you can imagine.
Whether I make it to as pro baller in a league or just playing pickup games, the love for the game will never go away.
6. Q.Final note?
A. My success would’ve never been possible without my teammates, who constantly motivated me and pushed me into being the player I am today. The intensity and the love they play with was a keystone in improving my game personally. They have been through thick and thin, through ebbs and flows. It has been an honor playing with them and I appreciate them. I thank the coach Mr. Pingamage who has been encouraging me from the inception and I would like to thank Mr. Musni who has been helping our team with the fitness training and motivating us. I thank Mr. Richard Hearathge for believing in our team and motivating us. I appreciate them. I thank my family for their support. And finally, it has been a privilege playing for CIS Kandy and bringing pride to the school.
Umair is currently representing under-19 age group in his school. We were keen to breakdown some of his highest achievements in the game demonstrating his defensive and most valuable nature.
Under 17 Zonals: MVP (most valuable player)
Under 17 ‘A’ Division: Best Defensive Player
Under 19 Inter-International: 2x MVP
Under 19 Zonals: 2x MVP
Under 19 ‘A’ Division: Best Offensive Player
Under 19 ‘A’ Division: MVP
The game basket ball first introduced in Sri Lanka by an American Walter Cammak has since become worthy of note in Asia specifically promoted through the schools in the island. Players like Umair Naleer are confiding to be strikingly impressive assets to the future of an auspicious rectangular court in this paradise island.
ThePapare.come heralds Umair’s talent and wishes him all the very best!
