'Bionic' Abdeen- The Triple International

There have been many stories written on The Sidelines on Dual International sportsperson for Sri Lanka but what about representing the country in three sports? Be it Rugby, Football and Sepak Takraw, Hisham Abdeen has done it all, and he celebrated his 65th birthday today!

A Stellar Sportman since Schooldays

Born on this day in 1961, he showed his potential as a multi disciplinary sportsman since his days at Zahira College, Colombo and subsequently moved to Isipathana College in his last two years of his schooling career.

In school's rugby, he holds the record for having scored 25 tries in a school season (later equalled by his school teammate H.K.Sisira) and was exceptional in Cricket and Athletics as well. At Zahira, he captained the Cricket, Athletics and Rugby teams while at Isipathana, he represented Sri Lanka for the first time in 1980 as a schoolboy. He also represented Havelocks Sports Club from the year 1979.

Hong Kong Sevens

Having already established his name as 'Bionic Abdeen' as a Schoolboy in the Club and National teams, it was only a few years later in 1984 that he was able to lead Sri Lanka to the Bowl Championship at the Hong Kong Sevens, a historic moment for the country in this fast-paced sport.

In the year's 1986 and 1987, he led Sri Lanka to being the Runner's Up in the Bowl Championship, also leading Sri Lanka at the Asiad and Dubai Sevens as well. What you see in the picture below is one such match where Sri Lanka almost stunned South Africa in the 1993 Hong Kong 7's, a David meets Goliath where Hisham Abdeen tackles the late Ruben Kruger.

Coaching and Legacy

While his Rugby career speaks the most volume, he has also represented Sri Lanka in Football and Sepak Takraw, showcasing his immense talent and leg strength to represent the country in a rare occasion of three sports, as a triple international.

After calling it a day from active sports, he later became a national selector and coach, subsequently establishing HARFA (Hisham Abdeen Rugby Football Academy) to continue his legacy in Rugby.

With a coaching career as good as his playing career, he has been one of the most influential coaches at the grassroot levels, be it schools, universities or at the nation level including Women's Rugby.

These are only the gist of his playing career but if you wish to read more on his achievements at Club Rugby and International level, our good friend Yuzran Lantra who is an Old Boy of Zahira College has written about Hisham Abdeen, a name written in Gold.

As we wish Hisham sir on his 65th birthday today, here's one of the available videos of him playing rugby for those (including the author) who weren't fortunate enough to witness him playing!