At 81, Percy still Sri Lanka’s top mascot
We have only seen Percy Abeyasekara in a casual Sri Lankan shirt, waving the national flag and leading the chorus in the stands. The other, more formal side of Percy was on display at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, when he walked in dressed smartly in a white shirt and a tie. When not cheering , the most famous Sri Lankan face in the stands is a corporate man, working as a PRO at ACL Cables.
On Tuesday, Rohit Sharma greeted Percy on seeing him. Coach Ravi Shastri walked up to him and exchanged pleasantries. At the presentation ceremony in Galle, the Sri Lankan was happily chatting with skipper Virat Kohli. Indian players sure love the 81-year-old cheerleader.
So, what’s it about Percy that endears him to this young Indian team? “They like my actions, my knowledge of the game, my cheering style, my singing, my style of talking. Among the touring teams, India is my favourite. Love thy neighbour,” said Percy.
“Rohit Sharma always asks me to dance. The last time in Galle, he walked up to me and started asking “please dance Percy uncle. Some other fellows also joined me in dancing, but he stopped them, saying, ‘I want to see Percy’.
Percy also has high regard for Virat. “He is a lovely guy, some people call him proud. He is not proud, that depends on the crowd and the way you talk to them (players). I cheer both sides and wave the flag for them,” said Percy, who donned the role of “Sri Lanka’s No 1 fan” in 1982 during the England vs Sri Lanka Test at the P Sara Oval.