Sri Lankan javelin sensation Rumesh Pathirage produced the performance of a lifetime at the Rome Diamond League, launching the spear an astonishing 92.62 metres to become the second-best javelin thrower in Asian history and move to eighth place on the world all-time rankings.

The 23-year-old delivered the remarkable throw with his second attempt in the men’s javelin competition, sending shockwaves through the athletics world and cementing his place among the sport’s elite.

Pathirage’s record-breaking effort not only shattered his previous personal best but also established a new Sri Lankan national record and the world-leading mark for the 2026 season.
Adding to the significance of the achievement, the Sri Lankan star eclipsed the long-standing Rome Diamond League meet record of 90.34 metres, which had stood for two decades and was set by Olympic champion Andreas Thorkildsen.

The historic throw marks a major milestone for Sri Lankan athletics, with Pathirage becoming the first athlete from the island nation to surpass the coveted 90-metre barrier in international competition.

His performance places him among the greatest javelin throwers of all time and further strengthens his credentials as a leading contender for major global championships in the years ahead.

Sri Lankan athlete Tarushi Abisheka secured a gold medal in the girls’ 1500m event at the Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships currently being held in Hong Kong on Thursday (May 28).

Abisheka delivered an impressive performance to finish first with a timing of 4 minutes and 31.41 seconds, bringing glory to Sri Lanka on the international stage.

Iran’s Maryam Baluoutaki claimed the silver medal, while South Korea’s Song Dawson finished in third place to secure the bronze.

The talented Sri Lankan middle-distance runner is also competing in the 800m event at the championship.

The Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships has attracted athletes from 40 countries, competing across 46 events.

Sri Lanka has fielded a 22-member contingent for the tournament, consisting of 15 male athletes and seven female athletes.

Sri Lanka’s rising middle-distance runner Tarushi Abisheka delivered an outstanding performance to claim the gold medal in the girls’ 1500 metres event at the Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships in Hong Kong on Thursday.

Abisheka crossed the finish line in 4 minutes and 31.41 seconds, securing first place ahead of Iran’s Maryam Baluoutaki, who finished second, while South Korea’s Song Dawson claimed the bronze medal.

The young Sri Lankan athlete is also competing in the 800m event at the continental championship, continuing to showcase her talent on the international stage.

The Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships has attracted competitors from 40 countries, with athletes taking part in 46 events during the tournament.

Sri Lanka has fielded a 22-member team for the competition, consisting of 15 male athletes and seven female athletes.