Sri Lankan javelin champion Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage returned to the country last night (30) after making history by winning the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

Tharanga arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at around 11.30 p.m. aboard Cathay Pacific flight CX-611 from Hong Kong, where he was welcomed by senior officials, sports administrators, Sri Lanka Athletics Association representatives, National Olympic Committee officials and members of the Sri Lanka Air Force. His family members were also present at the airport.

Speaking to journalists at the BIA, Tharanga said he had travelled to Japan with the goal of winning the gold medal while also attempting to break the existing Asian record in the event. However, he said rainy weather conditions in Nagoya prevented him from achieving the record.

He also expressed his gratitude to Sri Lankans living in Japan who had travelled around 600 to 700 kilometres to the Nagoya stadium to support him during the competition.

Tharanga clinched the gold medal on September 28 with a throw of 88.55 metres at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. 

India’s Yashvir Singh won the silver medal with a throw of 84.72 metres, while his compatriot Rohit Yadav took bronze with 84.35 metres.

Sri Lanka’s Sumedha Ranasinghe finished sixth with a throw of 78.08 metres.

Tharanga’s victory marked Sri Lanka’s first gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games. Sri Lanka also secured a silver medal in the women’s cricket event at the Games.