Rumesh Tharanga Returns to Sri Lanka After Historic World Athletics Victory

Sri Lankan javelin star Rumesh Tharanga returned to the island this morning after securing the men’s javelin throw title at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, Hungary.

Tharanga produced an outstanding performance at the championship on September 13, 2026, overcoming a strong field that included several of the world’s leading javelin throwers.

He moved into the lead with a throw of 87.11 metres on his third attempt before delivering his decisive effort in the fourth round, recording an impressive 91.09 metres to strengthen his position at the top of the standings.

Tharanga entered the competition as one of the leading contenders after setting a world-leading mark of 92.62 metres earlier this year. He also secured the men’s javelin title in this year’s Diamond League campaign.

Germany’s Julian Weber was among his strongest challengers, having recorded a championship-record throw of 90.40 metres at this year’s European Athletics Championships.

Despite the strong competition, Tharanga held his nerve and produced a winning performance to claim the prestigious javelin title for Sri Lanka in Hungary.