Rumesh Tharanga receives new javelin in Japan

Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage has received a new Swedish-imported javelin in Japan to assist his preparations for the upcoming Asian Games. The equipment was provided by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

The replacement follows an incident where five of Tharanga’s javelins were damaged during air transport following his victory at the 2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest. The damaged equipment, valued at over Rs. 2 million, was reported by the athlete after his return to Sri Lanka in mid-September.

Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage previously assured that the government would cover the full cost of replacing the high-grade competition implements to ensure the athlete's training and international performance remained unaffected.