Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga has suffered an unfortunate setback ahead of the 2026 Asian Games after several of his javelins were damaged during his journey back home. Tharanga had just returned from Budapest, Hungary, where he won the men’s javelin title at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship on September 13. The damage to his equipment has raised concerns over his preparations for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
However, the Sri Lankan government has stepped in to ensure the setback does not affect Tharanga’s training. Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage has instructed officials to fast-track the purchase of a new set of international-standard javelins at government expense.
Asian Games Blow for Rumesh Pathirage as His 90m-Plus Javelins Break During Flight
Sri Lankan javelin star Rumesh Pathirage has been hit by an untimely equipment setback just days before the Asian Games, with his prized competition javelins damaged during his flight home. The 23-year-old has produced three throws beyond the 90-metre mark this season, and all three came using the same javelins that were damaged while being transported by Turkish Airlines. Pathirage discovered the damage after arriving in Sri Lanka from Hungary and subsequently lodged a complaint with the airline.
The incident came shortly after another major achievement in what has been a remarkable 2026 season for the Sri Lankan. Pathirage had travelled back from Budapest after winning the men’s javelin title at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships, adding another major trophy to a season that has already included Commonwealth Games and Diamond League success. He later shared photographs of the damaged equipment on Instagram, while playing down the seriousness of the incident. “All three javelins I used for over 90 throws have been damaged. It might have been a mistake by the airline, but that’s how it is. It’s not a big issue. I’ll move on,” the Sri Lankan javelin star said. The timing, however, makes the damage particularly inconvenient.
Sri Lanka Steps In After Rumesh Pathirage’s Javelins Are Damaged in Transit
The Sri Lankan government has now stepped in to ensure the incident does not disrupt Pathirage’s Asian Games preparations. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports confirmed that a new set of international-standard javelins would be purchased at government expense, with Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage ordering officials to speed up the process. “Our government will continue to stand behind our athletics star and his Olympic dream,” the minister said. The ministry added that all five javelins belonging to Pathirage were damaged during his journey from Budapest and said authorities were also considering seeking compensation from the airline.
Pathirage heads into the Asian Games as one of the leading names in the men’s javelin competition after establishing himself among the world’s elite throwers this season. Along with his three 90m-plus efforts, his victories at the Commonwealth Games, Diamond League Final and World Athletics Ultimate Championships have underlined his rapid rise. With fresh equipment now being arranged, Sri Lankan officials are also pledging continued support as the athlete prepares for future international competitions and keeps his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
