Sri Lanka’s 23-year-old javelin star Rumesh Pathirage has created history by becoming Asia’s second-best javelin thrower of all time and climbing to eighth place on the world all-time rankings following a sensational performance at the Rome Diamond League.
Pathirage produced a massive throw of 92.62 metres with his second attempt in the men’s javelin event, setting multiple milestones with a single performance.
The throw established:
- A new Sri Lankan national record
- A personal best for Pathirage
- The world-leading mark for 2026
- Asia’s second-best performance in history
- Eighth place on the world all-time list
The remarkable effort also shattered the long-standing Rome Diamond League meet record of 90.34 metres, which had stood for nearly two decades and was previously held by Andreas Thorkildsen.
Pathirage’s achievement marks one of the greatest moments in Sri Lankan athletics history and further strengthens the country’s presence on the global track and field stage.
The performance is expected to boost Sri Lanka’s medal hopes in upcoming international competitions while establishing Pathirage among the world’s elite javelin throwers.
