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

The Asian Games was supposed to be another chance for Arshad Nadeem to rediscover the form that made him an Olympic champion. Instead, the Pakistani star’s difficult 2026 continued in Nagoya, failing to make the podium despite producing his best throw of the season.

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

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Pathirage had to work for his historic victory. He started slowly, opening 73.53m before improving to 83.34m. A foul followed, leaving him behind India’s Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav midway through the leg.

But the Sri Lankan found a different gear when it mattered. His fourth throw flew 88.33m to take him to the top before he bettered it in his final attempt to send a javelin of 88.55m. Rain made conditions difficult but Pathirage kept his composure to finish on top.

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

ARSHAD NADEEM IS SHORT AGAIN

Nadeem finished fourth with 80.29m, his best mark of the season, but it was not enough to make the podium. He cleared 76.69m, fouled on his second attempt and cleared 80.29m on his third. His last three attempts were fouls as the Olympic champion’s Asian Games campaign ended without a medal.

It’s been a tough year for Nadeem. At the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the defending champion finished ninth with a best of 77.41m. He subsequently skipped the Lausanne Diamond League to focus on preparation and traveled to Potchefstroom, South Africa for a two-week training stint with his coach Terseus Liebenberg and local coaches.

But even after that overseas training camp, Nadeem couldn’t produce the throw he needed in the rain-hit Asian Games final.

As the Pakistani star continues his quest for the best, Pathirage’s remarkable season reached another historic high, a gold medal that will forever enshrine Sri Lanka’s name in the javelin record books at the Asian Games.

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