Kilinochchi unites in memory of Nadesan Janakan as inaugural cricket trophy concludes

Tamils in Kilinochchi came together in a moving tribute to honour the life and legacy of student and cricketer Nadesan Janakan, with the conclusion of the inaugural Janakan Trophy (20 overs) last month. 

Janakan was just 16 years old when he was forcibly disappeared in Mullivaikkal in May 2009.

The tournament, jointly organised by the Old Students’ Association (OSA) of Kilinochchi Maha Vidyalayam and the Mahatheepam Sports Club, saw 13 teams compete in a celebration of sport, memory, and resilience.

The final match, held at the Kilinochchi Maha Vidyalayam grounds at June 29, 2025, saw Ilantharakai Sports Club defeat Hindu Youth Sports Club by 25 runs, with standout performances from Mr R. Vikshan (Man of the Match), Mr A. Anukshan (Best Batsman), and Mr P. Thushanthan (Best Bowler).

The Janakan Trophy, fully sponsored by the Kilinochchi business community, was formally introduced at a ceremony on 8 March 2025 at Kilinochchi Maha Vidyalayam. Held in a peaceful evening setting, the event paid tribute to Janakan, a gifted athlete and student whose name remains etched in the hearts of many in Kilinochchi.

Remembering Nadesan Janakan

Nadesan Janakan was a well-known student of Kilinochchi Maha Vidyalayam. He was smart, kind, and very talented in both studies and sports. Many people remember him for his great cricket skills and his respectful nature.

Janakan was born on June 2, 1992. He was the youngest of three children in his family. His parents were Balasingham Nadesan, who played a leading role in the Tamil liberation struggle, and his wife, a Sinhalese woman, Vineetha Samarasinghe Gunasekara. His father was a famous rugby player in his youth and inspired Janakan to follow a path of discipline, leadership, and passion for sports.

From a young age, Janakan did well in school, but it was cricket that brought him fame. By the age of 15, his name was already well known in Kilinochchi as one of the best young cricket players.

He played with great focus and respect, showing discipline both in class and on the playground. His friends, teachers, and teammates admired him not only for his skills but also for his humble and polite character.

Even though his whereabouts are still unknown, the name Nadesan Janakan still lives in the hearts of many. He will always be remembered as a great cricketer, a good student, and a kind person.

His cricket achievements include:

1. First-ever hardball century for Kilinochchi – Scored 106 runs in a match against St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna.

2. In the IHS Trophy (Between Kilinochchi & Mullaitheevu Schools)
•   Scored 1 Century & 2 Half Centuries
•   Won Man of the Series
•   Won Man of the Match
•   Won Best Batsman 

3. Scored 106 runs in a 50-over match against Kilinochchi Central College.

4. Took hat-tricks in matches against
•    Puthukudiyiruppu Central College
•    Vavuniya Vipulanantha College

5. Scored multiple half-centuries against top cricket clubs like:
•    IHS Cricket Team
•    Puthiya Ilamthenral SC

6. Took six or more wickets in over five matches, showing his skill as a bowler.

The final match of the tournament drew a large crowd and was followed by an emotional award ceremony. Member of Parliament and former principal of KMV, S. Shritharan, attended as Chief Guest. He was joined by V. Suntharalingam (Secretary, Northern Province Cricket Board), retired educators, community leaders, and past teammates of Janakan.

Former Vice Principal A. Pangayaselvan remembered Janakan’s passion for chess during his school days and said,

“Histories cannot be forgettable. Even if time passes, some histories must be recalled.”

V. Sanjeevan, who was Janakan’s teammate and team captain, gave an emotional speech. He said:

“I feel like I’ve gone 16 years back. I can’t speak steadily it’s very emotional for me. Before Janakan achieved his first century in hardball cricket, we had only seen centuries on TV. I witnessed that moment. I’m very proud to say that I was the captain when he reached that milestone. It wasn’t just his first century it was the first century ever scored by a hardball cricket player in Kilinochchi’s history.

I was on the field with him during that match. He had already passed 50 runs when I came in to bat. I hit a four on my first ball. Janakan came to me and said, right there on the pitch, ‘Anna, such a shot! I’m trying to hit like your shot, but I just can’t make it.’

Even though he had scored far more than me, he still encouraged me with so much respect. That’s who he was always respectful and supportive to his teammates.

Even though his dreams were shattered, we must work hard together to carry these meaningful dreams forward to the next generation.”

V. Suntharalingam, Secretary of Cricket Board - Northern Province added,

“Janakan was just a small boy when we started our cricket journey. Even at that young age, his skills and techniques amazed us. He was a player we admired.”

P. Kajinthan, Secretary of the Old Students’ Association of KMV, shared,

“Janakan will always live among us through his legacy and meaningful activities like this tournament.”

S. Shritharan, Member of Parliament, gave a powerful closing speech.

“I once read about Janakan’s mother and her brave attempt to protect her husband in their final moments. She is a proud part of this history, even though she came from a different community. Janakan is truly a proud son. Nadesan Janakan is one of the identities of this nation.”