Asian Games: Yash Vir Singh wins maiden Silver, Rohit Yadav bronze in absence of Neeraj Chopra; Rumesh Pathirage bags gold

It was a double delight for the Indian athletes at the javelin throw event at the Asian Games. While Neeraj Chopra missed the multi-sport event following injury, Yash Vir Singh and Rohit Yadav made sure to bring medals home. Singh secured his maiden silver medal in Aichi-Nagoya on Monday, marking his first medal there, while Yadav won bronze. 

Singh produced a personal best throw of 85.72 metres on his final attempt to claim second place. He had sat in third for much of the competition before delivering the decisive effort that elevated him on the podium. Compatriot Rohit Yadav earned bronze with 84.35 metres, giving India a double podium finish in the event.

Asian Games: Yash Vir Singh wins maiden Silver, Rohit Yadav bronze in absence of Neeraj Chopra; Rumesh Pathirage bags gold 

Singh stood out for his consistency, becoming the only competitor in the final to record throws of more than 80 metres across all six of his attempts. The result is particularly notable in the absence of Olympic champion Chopra, who withdrew from the Games. 

Singh, a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist earlier in 2026, continues to establish himself among India’s leading javelin throwers. The silver adds to India’s growing medal tally on Day 9 of the competition in Japan.

Meanwhile, Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage took gold with a throw of 88.55 metres. The Sri Lankan star continued his near-unbeaten streak this year and returned to his form in the second round following a shaky start. On the other hand, Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem could only muster 80.29m to finish fourth. 

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