Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Pathirage has had his record-breaking javelins damaged during transit, according to olympics.com. The equipment was harmed in flight as he travelled back from the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, the outlet reported on Tuesday.
The damage disrupts the athlete's build-up to the Asian Games 2026. Reports from Rediff and The New Indian Express describe the affected implements as his "90m" javelins, the ones used for his record marks, and say the setback has derailed his preparations for the Games.
Pathirage competed at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, where Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem finished fifth, according to Dawn. The same report credited Pathirage with stealing the show at that meet.
Beyond the throwing circle, Pathirage has spoken about his ambitions in the sport. The Indian Express reported that he has set his sights on an Olympic gold for Sri Lanka, describing it as his next goal, and noted that he has moved on from cricket.
The loss of his main javelins leaves the Sri Lankan camp working to replace or repair equipment that cannot simply be swapped without consequence, since throwers rely on implements matched to their technique. How quickly that is resolved will shape how much of his Asian Games preparation is lost.
What to watch next: whether Pathirage secures replacement javelins in time to resume full training before the Asian Games 2026.