Rumesh Tharanga Claims Javelin Gold in Budapest with 91.09m Throw

Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga has secured victory in the men’s javelin throw at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, Hungary, defeating a field that included several of the event’s leading international competitors.

Tharanga initially struggled to find his best form after the competition began at around 9:40 p.m. Sri Lanka time. However, he found his rhythm in the third round with an 87.11-metre throw that moved him into first place.

He extended his advantage in the fourth round with an outstanding 91.09-metre effort, which ultimately proved enough to secure the title.

Grenada’s Anderson Peters finished second after recording 86.18 metres, while Germany’s Julian Weber claimed third place with a throw of 85.89 metres.

Tharanga arrived in Budapest as one of the favourites after producing a world-leading 92.62-metre throw earlier this year. He had also captured the men’s javelin title during this year’s Diamond League campaign.

Weber entered the competition as one of the strongest threats to Tharanga’s challenge, having recorded a 90.40-metre throw at the European Athletics Championships earlier this year, setting a new championship record.

Despite the strong international competition, Tharanga produced the decisive performances when it mattered most to secure another major victory for Sri Lanka on the international athletics stage.