Rumesh Tharanga’s javelins damaged during flight home

Four javelins belonging to Sri Lanka’s world number-one javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage were reportedly broken and damaged during air transport as he returned home after winning the 2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championship.

Tharanga arrived in Sri Lanka this morning (September 15) following his victory at the inaugural championship held in Budapest, Hungary.

His father has said the damaged javelins are worth more than Rs. 2 million.

Tharanga is currently lodging complaints with the relevant airline authorities over the incident, according to reports.

The Sri Lankan athlete won the men’s javelin throw event at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship on September 13, 2026 with a throw of 91.09 metres.

Grenada’s Anderson Peters finished second with 86.18 metres, while Germany’s Julian Weber secured third place with a throw of 85.89 metres.

Tharanga entered the competition as one of the leading contenders after recording a world-leading throw of 92.62 metres earlier this year.