Rumesh Pathirage’s javelin broken during air travel ahead of Asian Games

Rumesh Pathirage faces a setback with his javelins ahead of major athletics events.

In 2026, Rumesh Pathirage has been a dominant figure in javelin throwing, winning prestigious competitions like the Diamond League and the Ultimate World Athletics Championship. Consistently exceeding throws of 90 meters and having secured Commonwealth Games gold, Pathirage was set to continue his winning streak at the upcoming Asian Games. Unfortunately, he faced a major setback recently when his javelins were damaged during air travel, disrupting his preparations.

During a recent flight, Pathirage showed a photo revealing that his primary javelin had been broken, expressing his frustration with a caption calling it bad luck. He also made a sarcastic comment directed at the airline responsible, indicating the extent of the mishap. In an interview with a Sri Lankan news outlet, Pathirage revealed that all five of his winning javelins were damaged inside the aircraft, adding to his concerns ahead of key competitions such as the Asian Games, the 2028 Olympics, and the World Championship.

Despite the damage, Pathirage remains optimistic and resilient, stating that the issue, while disappointing, won't deter his focus or determination. He speculated that the damage might have been caused by the airline but affirmed his readiness to move forward without dwelling on the incident. His attitude showcases the mental strength needed to compete at the highest level in athletics.

The upcoming Asian Games see Pathirage as the favorite for a gold medal, especially with the absence of key competitors like Neeraj Chopra due to injury, and his own impressive season performances. Fans and analysts alike expect him to deliver remarkable results, continuing his rise as a leading figure in international javelin throwing.