KUALA LUMPUR — Datuk A. Vaithilingam was the mentor and beacon who guided me to become the “Fastest Man in Asia”, said national athletics legend Tan Sri Dr. M. Jegathesan.
Speaking to Scoop at the launch of Vaithi — A Life of Service, Jegathesan paid tribute to the long career and community work of the former Malaysian Hindu Sangam (MHS) president.
“He was my mentor and role model — someone who shaped my career not only in sport but also as an administrator and as a good human being,” the 81-year-old said when met at the Royal Lake Club yesterday.
“Despite not being an athlete himself, his knowledge of administration and his commitment to nurturing talent changed many lives — especially young Indian athletes from rural areas. I am one of them.”
Jegathesan — a three-time Olympian and double gold medallist at the 1966 Asian Games in Bangkok — is widely regarded as one of Malaysia’s greatest sprinters. His national 200m record stood for 49 years, and he was the first Malaysian to reach the semi-finals in an Olympic sprint event.
He praised Vaithilingam’s wider contributions to Malaysian sport and society, noting that the latter served people from all walks of life in their pursuit of sporting excellence.
“He was one of the founding members of the National Sports Council and played a big role in making it happen — something many people fail to recognise,” the former sprinter said.
For his long service to grassroots development and sport, Vaithilingam was inducted into the Olympic Council of Malaysia Hall of Fame in 2012.
He is also credited with helping introduce sports such as softball and rhythmic gymnastics to Malaysia — disciplines that have since delivered medals at regional meets, including the SEA Games and the Commonwealth Games.
Jegathesan called on today’s youth to take inspiration from Vaithilingam.
“The landscape of sport is changing, but young people must not be distracted by trivial pursuits. They should dedicate themselves to personal growth and public service, just as Vaithi did,” he said. — August 13, 2025