Wednesday Nov 11, 2026
Wednesday Nov 11, 2026
Wednesday, 11 November 2026 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Rumesh Tharanga
Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage has secured eighth place in the 2026 World Athletics Male Athlete of the Year rankings, following a standout season on the international circuit.
Pathirage was among 10 athletes nominated for the prestigious annual award in recognition of his performances during the year.
He enjoyed a highly successful 2026 campaign, winning gold medals at both the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, while also claiming the Diamond League title and the World Athletics Ultimate Championship. A major highlight of his season came at the Diamond League meeting in Rome, where he set a new Sri Lankan national record with a throw of 92.62 metres.
The performance also elevated him to become the second-best javelin thrower in Asian history, further cementing his position among the world’s leading athletes in the discipline.
