Arshad Nadeem stumbles again, Rumesh Pathirage makes javelin history for Sri Lanka

For Arshad Nadeem, the Asian Games were supposed to be another chance to rediscover the form that made him an Olympic champion. Instead, the Pakistan star's difficult 2026 continued in Nagoya, where he missed out on the podium despite producing his best throw of the season.

At the other end of the spectrum stood Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, who capped a remarkable year by becoming the first Sri Lankan to win Asian Games gold in the men's javelin. His 88.55m effort sealed the title and added another major achievement to a season in which he has emerged as one of the world's leading throwers.

Pathirage had to work for his historic victory. He made a slow start, opening with 73.53m before improving to



83.34m. A foul followed, leaving him behind India's Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav at the halfway stage.

But the Sri Lankan found another gear when it mattered. His fourth throw travelled 88.33m to take him to the top before he bettered it in his final attempt, sending the javelin 88.55m. The rain made conditions challenging, but Pathirage kept his composure to finish on top.

The Asian Games gold is the latest jewel in an extraordinary 2026 for the 23-year-old. He won Commonwealth Games gold earlier this year and has also dominated the Diamond League circuit, winning the final as well as five Diamond League meetings. His 92.62m effort in Rome in June remains the year's best throw and a Sri Lankan record.