Colombo, Sri Lanka, September 16, 2026: Sri Lankan javelin ace Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage’s preparations for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games suffered a setback after five of his javelins were damaged during a flight back to Colombo.
The 23-year-old javelin star was returning home from Budapest on a flight after winning the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Hungary on Sunday, September 13.
“All five of my 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 was quoted as saying by Olympics.com.
Rumesh Tharanga, who is enjoying a breakout campaign this year, has since lodged a complaint with the airline.
The Sri Lankan, who is ranked world number one, has breached the 90m mark three times this year, with all three throws coming with javelins that were among those damaged during the flight.
Rumesh Tharanga first breached the 90m mark at the Rome Diamond League in June, throwing a national record of 92.62m. The effort remains the world-leading mark in 2026.
Despite the setback, he will remain one of the firm favourites for the javelin gold at the 20th Asian Games, which will officially open on Saturday, September 19.
Tharanga has won 12 of the 13 competitions he has contested in 2026, including gold at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
