AT 64, R. Vairavasundaram, better known as Veera, is not slowing down.
The former international martial arts champion has dedicated his life to shaping the next generation through sports and discipline.
In 2015, Veera founded Persatuan Sukan dan Rekreasi Juara Pulau Pinang (SPARK) with a clear mission: to leverage the expertise of former national sportsmen to guide and motivate vulnerable and underprivileged children. The organisation also extends support to retired athletes, identifies promising young talents, and helps them shine.
A decorated martial artist, Veera proudly represented Malaysia in various international competitions, achieving a major milestone by winning the 1993 North America Full Contact Championships in Baltimore, Maryland.
His formidable skills, combined with military training, opened doors to diverse career paths, including working as a bodyguard for a prominent businessman, a nightclub bouncer in Penang, a karate coach in New Zealand, and taking on security management roles at ParkRoyal Penang Resort and Osram.
Despite the tough environments he has navigated, Veera remains a man of discipline.
“I have never touched alcohol or cigarettes.
“Discipline is everything. It has shaped my life, and it is what I try to instill in the younger generation,” he says firmly when interviewed recently.
His dedication to self-improvement led him to pursue further education, earning a diploma in Sports Management, an MBA in Sports Management, and a diploma in Security Management.
“Education is just as important as sports and enjoyment,” he said, emphasising the need for a well-rounded balance in life.
With his wealth of experience, Veera launched the ‘Zero to Hero’ programme, delivering motivational talks to students in schools and youth centres.
To date, he has spoken to over 10,000 students, proving that success is not just about personal achievements but about uplifting others along the way.
“I always tell young people that where you start does not define where you end up. With the right mindset and discipline, you can rise above any challenge,” he shared.
Young people have benefited greatly from SPARK’s programmes, with one of the latest initiatives being Discovery Basketball, introduced as part of the school holiday activities.
The programme has received invaluable support from Coach Mao Zhenghui, a professional basketball coach from the Shangdong district in China.
Currently on holiday in Malaysia, Coach Mao has generously volunteered his expertise to train and mentor young players, offering them guidance and inspiration through basketball.
“Coach Mao’s involvement is a great example of how sports bring people together.
“He didn’t have to do this, but he saw an opportunity to give back – helping others whenever he can,” Veera said.
Training sessions had been conducted at Taman Free School basketball court and Ru Yi Children Home basketball court, where underprivileged children and children from three different homes – Children Protection Society, Ru Yi Children Home, and Shan Children Home – had actively participated.
The initiative aims to not only develop their basketball skills but also instil discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
Coach Mao arrived in Malaysia on Jan 16 to experience the Chinese New Year celebrations.
“My first stop was Kuala Lumpur, and the locals there told me that I should also visit Penang as it is an amazing place,” he said.
Curious to explore, he took a bus to Penang on Jan 19. During the journey, he struck up a conversation with a Penangite who spoke highly of Veera and his social work for children.
“We visited Veera’s vegetarian food business at The Garden Banana Leaf in Jalan Free School, and that was when I learned more about his efforts to help young people.
“Inspired by his work, I decided to volunteer my expertise to train and mentor these children during my visit here,” he shared.
As his time in Malaysia draws to a close, Coach Mao is already thinking about returning.
“I am heading back to China in a week, but I plan to come back to Penang. It is a wonderful place, and the people here are incredibly warm and welcoming,” he said.
National player Sharwhin Siva Ragu, who was present at the training session at the Ru Yi Children Home basketball court, recalled his first encounter with Veera when he was just 13 years old.
“I wanted to learn martial arts from Mr Veera when I was in Form One.
“He became my mentor, and when I was 15, I found myself struggling with a gaming addiction,” Sharwhin said.
Sharwhin shared how Veera’s guidance helped him shift his focus.
“With Mr Veera’s support, I was able to redirect my attention and passion towards basketball. He patiently mentored me,” Sharwhin said.
He credited the then state executive councillor Chong Eng and Veera for introducing him a local basketball club (Penang Sunrise Youngsters Basketball Club) to train with.
Sharwhin expressed his gratitude, saying: “I am forever thankful to Mr Veera for being a guiding light during a challenging time in my life.”
For Veera, true success is measured by the impact he leaves on young lives.
“Medals and trophies are great, but nothing compares to seeing a child gain confidence, find purpose, and believe in themselves. That is the legacy I want to leave behind,” he added.
Story by Christopher Tan
Photos by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat