Sri Lankan javelin star Pathirage loses equipment in airline mishap

Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Pathirage faces an unexpected hurdle in his Asian Games preparations after five of his prized javelins sustained damage during air travel. The 23-year-old was returning to Colombo from Budapest following his participation in the World Athletics Ultimate Championship on September 13 when the incident occurred aboard a Turkish Airlines flight.

Pathirage expressed frustration over the loss, noting that all five javelins were implements with which he had recorded significant competitive success. "All five of my winning javelins were damaged inside the aircraft. I was planning to use them at the upcoming Asian Games, the 2028 Olympics and the World Championship," he said, confirming that he has lodged a formal complaint with Turkish Airlines.

The damage represents a setback for the emerging talent, who is enjoying a breakout season on the international circuit. Pathirage has cleared the 90-metre mark on three occasions this year—all achieved with the now-damaged equipment—and remains in outstanding form following his Commonwealth Games triumph in Glasgow last July, where he defeated two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra to clinch Sri Lanka's first athletics gold medal since 1950.

Pathirage's impressive run has seen him win 11 of his last 12 international competitions, establishing himself as a serious contender for medals at upcoming major championships across Asia and beyond.