**Sri Lankan Star Rumesh Pathirage Faces Setback Ahead of Asian Games After Javelins Are Damaged**
Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, a prominent figure in javelin throw, is facing a significant challenge just weeks before the Asian Games. The 23-year-old athlete, who recently claimed gold at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest with a remarkable throw of 91.09 meters, discovered upon his return to Sri Lanka that his javelins had been damaged during transit.
Pathirage's homecoming, which should have been a celebration of his latest achievement, turned sour when he arrived at Katunayake Airport to find that all five of his javelins were broken. The athlete shared a photo of the damaged equipment on social media, expressing his disappointment and tagging Turkish Airlines in his post. He detailed the distances he had thrown with each javelin, highlighting his recent successes, including throws of 92.62 meters and 91.06 meters.
“It might be a mistake by the airline, but it caused a priceless loss for me,” Pathirage commented to reporters. Despite the setback, he maintained a positive outlook, stating, “It’s not a big issue; I’ll move on.”
His coach, Tony Prasanna, expressed concern about the emotional impact of the incident on Pathirage. Prasanna described the experience as a “rude shock,” noting that the javelins had been carefully packed for travel. He emphasized that the loss was not just financial but also psychological, given the athlete's attachment to the equipment. “This is a psychological setback for Rumesh, and I will counsel him on it,” Prasanna added, mentioning their plans to use these javelins in future competitions, including the 2028 Olympics.
In response to the incident, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Sports has announced that it will provide new javelins for Pathirage to ensure he is prepared for the upcoming Asian Games, which will take place in Nagoya, Japan. The ministry also stated that it would pursue the matter with Turkish Airlines and consider legal action regarding the damaged equipment.
Pathirage's achievements this season have positioned him as Sri Lanka's best hope for a gold medal at the Asian Games, where he is expected to face tough competition, including Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem from Pakistan. As the first Sri Lankan to become a Diamond League champion, Pathirage's performance has garnered significant attention, and his success at the Asian Games could further elevate his status in the sport.
Javelins used by elite athletes typically cost over $800 each, and it is common for professional throwers to own multiple javelins for training and competition. The loss of such specialized equipment can be particularly devastating for athletes who rely on them for their performance.
As Pathirage prepares for the Asian Games, the support from his coach, the Ministry of Sports, and the Sri Lankan public will be crucial in helping him overcome this unexpected hurdle. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face beyond the competition itself, highlighting the importance of proper handling and care for sports equipment during travel.