The promising young talent from Sri Lanka, Rumesh Tharanaga, set a new national record in the men’s javelin throw at the 1st Indian Open World Athletics Bronze Level Continental Tour Meet, held at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, India.
With this remarkable performance, the Lankan athletics prodigy secured a direct qualification spot for the World Athletics Championships 2025, scheduled to be held in Japan, as he comfortably surpassed the qualification standard of 85.50m.
The incumbent national champion, just 22 years old, smashed the national record with his very first throw in the men’s javelin event. He went on to clinch the gold medal with a magnificent throw of 86.50m.
In doing so, he broke the previous record set by veteran javelin thrower Sumedha Ranasinghe in March 2025 at the National Trials held at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Diyagama, Sri Lanka. The former record holder also featured in the same event and won the bronze medal.
Rumesh had previously held the national record (85.45m) for a brief period following his landmark throw at the Asian Throwing Championships in Mokpo, South Korea, before coming back bigger, better, and bolder to regain the national title. The close rivalry between Rumesh and Sumedha has undoubtedly elevated both athletes’ performances to the next level.
Rumesh will now travel to South Korea to compete in the Asian Throwing Championships before featuring in the prestigious World Championships in Tokyo. A proud product of St. Peter’s College, he currently serves in the Sri Lanka Air Force.
In the women’s segment, long-serving Sri Lanka Army athlete Dilhani Lekamge claimed the silver medal with a throw of 54.96m.
Meanwhile, rising Sri Lankan sprinter Chamod Yodasinghe secured a silver medal in the men’s 100m event, clocking 10.43 seconds.
Earlier in the meet, Sri Lanka won gold in a thrilling 4×400m relay, edging out India after a nail-biting finish. Rajitha Neranjan Rajakaruna, J. O. Shashintha Silva, S. K. A. M. I. Dismitha, and Kalhara Idupa were the members of the gold medal-winning team.
