Key Takeaways
- Sri Lankan javelin star Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage's winning javelins were damaged during a flight.
- The javelins were damaged ahead of the upcoming Asian Games in 2026.
- Pathirage remains a strong favorite despite the setback.
Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage faces a significant setback ahead of the 2026 Asian Games, as five of his winning javelins were damaged during a flight back to Colombo.
Pathirage, who recently won gold in the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Hungary, was returning from Budapest by air when the javelins were damaged.
The 23-year-old, who has breached the 90m mark thrice this year, including a 91.09m throw in Budapest, is now forced to use compromised javelins for the upcoming competitions.
Pathirage's javelins were damaged inside the aircraft, which could affect his performance at the Asian Games, scheduled for September 19th in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Despite the damage, Pathirage remains a strong favorite for the men’s javelin throw final on September 28, 2026, having previously outperformed Indian javeline ace Neeraj Chopra in both the Commonwealth Games and the Zurich Diamond League.
Pathirage first breached the 90m mark at the Rome Diamond League in June, with a 92.62m throw that still remains unbeaten for the year.
The javelin thrower has won in all but one of the 13 competitions he has competed in this year, showcasing his consistent performance and skill.
Pathirage expressed his frustration, stating, 'All five of my winning javelins were damaged inside the aircraft. I was trying to use them at the upcoming Asian Games, the 2028 Olympics and the World Championship.'
All five of my winning javelins were damaged inside the aircraft. I was trying to use them at the upcoming Asian Games, the 2028 Olympics and the World Championship.
Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, Sri Lankan javelin star
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