Javelin thrower Dinesh Priyantha wins Sri Lanka’s first Paralympic medal

Gold medalist Devendra of India poses with silver medalist Guo Chunliang of China (L) and bronze medalist D.P. Herath Mudiyanselage of Sri Lanka (R) during the victory ceremony. REUTERS

Sri Lanka’s Dinesh Priyantha on Tuesday won the bronze medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw event at the Rio Paralympics 2016.

Priyantha became the first Sri Lankan to win a medal at the Paralympics, clearing a distance of 58.23 meters, a personal best for him.

Indian Devandra Jhaharia won the gold with a new world record of 63.97 meters and Guo Chunliang of China secured the silver with a distance of 59.93 meters.