Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Pathirage Wins Asian Games Javelin Gold as Chopra Withdraws
Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage won the men’s javelin competition at the Asian Games.
He threw the javelin 88.55 meters on his final attempt.
Neeraj Chopra, the previous Asian Games champion, could not compete because of an ankle injury.
India’s Yashvir Singh won silver, and Rohit Yadav won bronze.
All three medals went to athletes from South Asia.
Pathirage has had an excellent season, winning 13 of 14 competitions.
Rain made the competition difficult and affected his grip.
He now wants to compete strongly at the next World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage won the Asian Games men’s javelin gold with an 88.55-meter throw.
Neeraj Chopra withdrew after suffering an ankle ligament tear during training.
India’s Yashvir Singh won silver with 85.72 meters, while Rohit Yadav took bronze with 84.35 meters.
Pathirage has won 13 of 14 events this season and recorded three throws beyond 90 meters.
He said his next targets are the World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
- Who
- Sri Lankan thrower Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage won, while India’s Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav placed second and third; Neeraj Chopra was absent because of injury.
- What
- Pathirage won the Asian Games men’s javelin throw gold medal with an 88.55-meter effort.
- When
- The competition took place on Monday; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Where
- Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.
- Why
- Chopra withdrew after an ankle ligament tear during training, while Pathirage won after a strong season.
- Gold medalist
- Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage
- Winning distance
- 88.55 meters
- Silver medalist
- Yashvir Singh, 85.72 meters
- Bronze medalist
- Rohit Yadav, 84.35 meters
- Pathirage’s season record
- 13 wins in 14 events
- Long throws this season
- Three throws beyond 90 meters
- Future targets
- The World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics