London, August 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara has praised Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage after his historic gold medal win in the men’s javelin throw at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, calling it an “incredible and proud day” for the country.
Pathirage, 23, secured the gold medal with a throw of 89.75 metres on his second attempt at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, becoming only the fifth Sri Lankan athlete to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal.
Despite recording five fouls during the final, his single successful throw was enough to secure the top position. India’s Tokyo Olympics champion Neeraj Chopra finished second with a best effort of 85.83 metres, while compatriot Yash Vir Singh claimed bronze with a personal-best throw of 85.41 metres.
“Incredible and proud day for Sri Lanka,” Sangakkara wrote on his X account while congratulating the athlete.
Pathirage’s victory ended Sri Lanka’s 20-year wait for a Commonwealth Games gold medal. The country’s previous gold came through weightlifter Chinthana Vidanage at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
The javelin champion’s journey has also attracted attention as he was earlier a fast bowler before switching to athletics. Pathirage, who had clocked 134 kmph as an Under-18 cricketer, made the transition under coach Tony Prasanna, whom he credits for shaping his athletics career.
Grenada’s 2024 Paris Olympics bronze medallist Anderson Peters narrowly missed the podium after finishing fourth with an 83.88-metre throw. Pakistan’s reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem finished ninth with a best effort of 77.41 metres.
Although Pathirage did not achieve the automatic qualification mark of 84 metres during the qualifiers, his 82.84-metre effort placed him at the top of the field before the final.
His Commonwealth Games triumph has marked a significant moment for Sri Lankan athletics and transformed what was once a promising cricket career into a historic sporting achievement.
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