By Adala Anvtih Reddy
OCA Youth Reporter from India.
Nagoya, Japan, September 28, 2026: In a thrilling men’s javelin final, Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage won Sri Lanka’s first gold medal of Aichi-Nagoya 2026 at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium on Monday night.
The 23-year-old Glasgow Commonwealth Games champion claimed top spot with a throw of 88.55 metres to win Sri Lanka’s historic first Asian Games gold in men’s javelin.
India took silver and bronze through Yashvir Singh, who finished second with a personal best of 85.72m, and Rohit Yadav recorded 84.35 to finish third.
Pakistan’s Paris 2024 Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem finished fourth with a season’s best 80.29.
Speaking about the final, Rumesh said: “Overall, I am very happy with the end result. This is a big step up for Sri Lankan athletics. However, my first two throws didn't exactly end up where I wanted. I could have done better but, given the weather conditions, I feel satisfied with the gold medal.”
Yashvir added: “The competition was very difficult after Rumesh threw 88.55 meters and I could manage only 85. The weather was not so good, so the javelin grip was very slippery when we were throwing.
“However, even in this weather, I was able to achieve my personal best. If the weather was better, I reckon i could have thrown 87-88m.”
Bronze medal-winner Yadav said: “I feel the weather was not ideal. I did feel a bit of slippage with my grip. Overall, I feel happy that we secured a podium finish,” he added, referring to his Indian teammate.
