Sri Lanka's Javelin Champ Returns to 'Broken' Welcome
Pathirage said the damaged javelins produced his three 90m-plus throws this season, leaving him to find replacements before the Asian Games.
- Sri Lankan javelin star Rumesh Pathirage faces a challenge ahead of the Asian Games after his competition equipment was severely damaged during a Turkish Airlines flight while returning from Hungary following his victory at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships.
- The 23-year-old athlete relied on these specific javelins to achieve 90m-plus throws three times this season, making them central to his breakthrough 2026 performance and competitive success.
- Following discovery of the damage, Pathirage filed a complaint with the airline; specialized Nemeth competition javelins cost more than INR 1 lakh each, making the loss a significant professional setback.
- Before the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games begin this Saturday, Pathirage must find suitable replacements. "It might have been a mistake by the airline, but that's how it is. I'll move on," he said.
- Having won 11 of his last 12 international competitions, including the Diamond League Final in Brussels, Pathirage remains a leading gold medal contender despite this setback, notably after defeating two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Rumesh Pathirage’s Asian Games Preparations Hit By Major Setback After Historic Season
Rumesh Pathirage's three prized javelins, used for his 90m-plus throws this season, were damaged in transit while returning to Sri Lanka from Hungary. The setback comes just ahead of the Asian Games, where the Sri Lankan star is among the leading contenders
Rumesh Pathirage's Asian Games Preparations Derailed By Damaged Javelins
Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Pathirage faces a significant setback for the upcoming Asian Games after five of his 'winning' javelins were damaged during air travel from Budapest. Pathirage, a favourite for gold, had used these specific javelins for his record-breaking throws and recent victories, including beating Neeraj Chopra.
Rumesh Pathirage's 90m-plus javelins broken in flight right before Asian Games
Rumesh Pathirage said Turkish Airlines damaged three of his competition javelins while he was returning from Hungary after winning the World Athletics Ultimate Championships. The damaged set includes all three javelins he used for 90m-plus throws, with specialised Nemeth equipment costing over Rs 1 lakh apiece.
Sri Lankan track and field champion Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage was left devastated to discover that all five of his javelin throws had been broken on his return flight from Budapest. Pathirage had won the javelin throw at the newly established Super World Championships in the Hungarian capital.
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