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Maximize Your Impact - Sudarshan Muthuthanthri

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I started my sports career when I was 12 at S. Thomas’ College, playing basketball. Then when I was 17, I started playing rugby.

When I was 9 years old, my father passed away, and then four years later my mom passed as well. Being around friends and engaging in sports was a way I could do something I loved in the midst of the pain. I committed myself to achieve the best through sport because that was the way I was finding peace of mind, almost as a way of meditation. Training every day — trying to improve as an athlete — was a place of comfort for me. I did well both in sports and school, but when the time came for me to choose one, the choice was easy. I chose the one I loved.

Since childhood, faith in Jesus Christ has been a big part of my life. I have always been able to look to the Lord in anything, knowing everything I’ve been able to do is because of the Lord. I always believe that everything happens through God and by His plan. May it be success or failure, I take it knowing it’s exactly what the Almighty commands. 

Rugby is a dangerous sport; your career can come to an end after taking one bad shot from someone. There are many challenges and tough decisions in the game. Life is quite similar in the fact that you come across different challenges and you look for answers from God. I’m grateful for the guidance He provides me on and off the field to overcome these obstacles. 

The greatest challenge in life is to follow Christ and be an example to others. Being able to be a light for the Lord in the midst of a dark world is hard because temptation is everywhere. It’s challenging to resist temptation, while not isolating yourself, especially when you play in a team sport like rugby. I want to be remembered as a sportsperson who led by example, had good qualities and is a generous and kind person. 

Pray to the Lord. Unless you experience the power of God for yourself, you will not be able to maximize your impact.

—Sudarshan Muthuthanthri, captain of the Sri Lanka national rugby union team

Maximize Your Impact - Sudarshan Muthuthanthri

Sep 17, 2019

I started my sports career when I was 12 at S. Thomas’ College, playing basketball. Then when I was 17, I started playing rugby. When I was 9 years old, my father passed away, and then four years later my mom passed as well. Being around friends and engaging in sports was a way I could do something I loved in the midst of the pain. I committed myself to achieve the best through sport because that was the way I was finding peace of mind, almost as a way of meditation. Training every day — trying to improve as an athlete — was a place of comfort for me. I did well both in sports and school, but when the time came for me to choose one, the choice was easy. I chose the one I loved. Since childhood, faith in Jesus Christ has been a big part of my life. I have always been able to look to the Lord in anything, knowing everything I’ve been able to do is because of the Lord. I always believe that everything happens through God and by His plan. May it be success or failure, I take it knowing it’s exactly what the Almighty commands.  Rugby is a dangerous sport; your career can come to an end after taking one bad shot from someone. There are many challenges and tough decisions in the game. Life is quite similar in the fact that you come across different challenges and you look for answers from God. I’m grateful for the guidance He provides me on and off the field to overcome these obstacles.  The greatest challenge in life is to follow Christ and be an example to others. Being able to be a light for the Lord in the midst of a dark world is hard because temptation is everywhere. It’s challenging to resist temptation, while not isolating yourself, especially when you play in a team sport like rugby. I want to be remembered as a sportsperson who led by example, had good qualities and is a generous and kind person.  Pray to the Lord. Unless you experience the power of God for yourself, you will not be able to maximize your impact. —Sudarshan Muthuthanthri, captain of the Sri Lanka national rugby union team