Sri Lankan javelin thrower Ramesh Tharanga Pathirage faced an unusual setback after returning home from Hungary.
The athlete discovered that all five of his javelins had broken during the journey to Colombo.
Pathirage had travelled on a foreign airline after winning the World Athletics Ultimate Championship. His coach said the team had packed all five javelins with extreme care.
However, the equipment arrived damaged despite those precautions.
Athlete Files Complaint Against Airline
Pathirage has now filed a complaint against the airline over the damaged equipment.
The javelins hold particular importance for the athlete. He used them during several major competitions and important victories throughout his successful season.
The incident could have disrupted his preparations for upcoming international competition.
Pathirage Enjoys Remarkable 2026 Season
Pathirage has produced several impressive performances this year.
The Sri Lankan thrower has crossed the 90-metre mark three times during the season.
He won gold at the Zurich Diamond League with a throw of 92.07 metres. The performance further strengthened his position among the world’s leading javelin throwers.
Pathirage also won gold at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, where he defeated Indian star Neeraj Chopra.
He later claimed the javelin title at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship. His winning throw measured 91.09 metres.
Pathirage has won 12 of his 13 competitions this year, highlighting his remarkable consistency.
New Javelins Planned for Asian Games
The damage comes shortly before another major assignment for the Sri Lankan athlete.
The Sri Lankan Ministry of Sports has announced plans to provide Pathirage with new javelins for the 2026 Asian Games.
The Games will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.
Pathirage remains one of Sri Lanka’s key medal hopes for the event. His recent performances have also raised expectations ahead of his Asian Games campaign.
Equipment Damage Highlights Travel Risks
The incident has highlighted the challenges elite athletes face when transporting specialised sporting equipment.
Javelins require careful handling because athletes often rely on specific equipment during major competitions.
With new javelins set to arrive ahead of the Asian Games, Pathirage can now focus on his preparations.
His recent 91.09-metre world title-winning throw has already set the stage for another closely watched international campaign.
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