Rumesh Pathirage wins World javelin title amid equipment damage

Sri Lankan javelin star Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage secured the men’s javelin title at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest with a winning throw of 91.09 meters. The victory, which earned him USD 150,000 in prize money, marks a historic achievement for the 23-year-old, who has dominated the season with 11 wins in his last 12 international competitions.

However, the champion’s homecoming was marred by an equipment setback. Pathirage reported that several of his specialized competition javelins—including the specific implements used for his 90-meter-plus throws this season—were damaged during air travel. The athlete has lodged a formal complaint with Turkish Airlines regarding the incident.

Despite the loss of high-tech equipment, Pathirage expressed his intention to move forward. He is currently focused on preparing for the upcoming Asian Games and maintains long-term ambitions of winning an Olympic gold medal at the 2028 Games.