Tan Sri Dr. Jegathesan Manikavasagam (born 2 November 1943), fondly called the Flying Doctor of Malaysia for blazing the tracks around Asia despite being firstly a medical student then a doctor, was an icon in the 1960s, regarded as the "Golden Era" of Malaysian athletics. In his hey day, he was regarded as the fastest man in Asia. He served the government health service for 32 years including the posts of Director of the Institute for medical research and Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Malaysia
He is a Medical Researcher; and was appointed as Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Medical Commission and honorary Medical Advisor for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games. He served as Chairman of the Medical Council, and the Anti-Doping Commission of the Olympic council of Asia.
He has served as the Deputy President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).
In 1966, he earned the accolade of being the fastest man in Asia by winning three gold medals at the Bangkok Asian Games in the 100 m, 200 m and 4 × 100 m Men's Relay events.
At the Kingston Commonwealth Games in 1966, Dr Jega became the first Malaysian to qualify for the final of the 220-yard (now the 200 m) race.
Dr Jegathesan was not only an accomplished athlete, doctor and researcher, but held important responsibilities as Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Medical Commission and honorary Medical Advisor for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
In an interview with the New Straits Times, Dr Jega said it was a great honour, to serve his country.
"But in whatever capacity, being part of the Commonwealth Games in itself keeps the adrenaline pumping as it brings back fond memories," he said.
Dr Jega has competed in three consecutive Olympic Games, namely Rome (1960), Tokyo (1964) and Mexico (1968).