Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage has secured eighth place in the 2026 Men’s World Athlete of the Year rankings, marking another significant achievement for Sri Lankan athletics.
Pathirage was among 10 athletes nominated for the prestigious World Athletics award following an outstanding season on the international stage.
The Sri Lankan athlete enjoyed a remarkable 2026 season, winning gold medals at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, along with the Diamond League title and World Athletics Ultimate Championship.
He also established a new Sri Lankan national record with a throw of 92.62 metres at the Diamond League meeting in Rome, becoming the second-best Asian javelin thrower in history.
Pathirage’s inclusion among the world’s leading athletes represents an important milestone for Sri Lanka, highlighting his emergence as one of the top javelin throwers in international athletics.
The World Athletics Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Monaco on November 29, when the Men’s and Women’s World Athlete of the Year winners will be announced. (Newswire)
