September 15, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga arrived back in the country this morning following a memorable victory at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, Hungary.
Tharanga produced a commanding performance on 13 September, beating a strong international field to secure the men’s javelin title and add another major achievement to an outstanding season.
The Sri Lankan moved decisively into contention with his third throw, sending the spear 87.11 metres. He went even further in the following round, unleashing a 91.09-metre effort that firmly established him at the top of the standings.
Tharanga had arrived in Budapest with considerable expectations after setting a world-leading distance of 92.62 metres earlier in the year. His consistency throughout the season had also seen him claim the men’s javelin crown in the Diamond League series.
Among those expected to provide the strongest challenge was Germany’s Weber, who had recorded 90.40 metres at this year’s European Athletics Championships, setting a new championship record in the process.
Despite the quality of the opposition, Tharanga held his nerve when it mattered most. His 91.09-metre throw proved sufficient to deliver the gold medal and cap a remarkable campaign on the international stage.
The Budapest success further strengthens Tharanga’s standing among the world’s elite javelin throwers and gives Sri Lankan athletics another significant moment to celebrate.
