'Proud day for Sri Lanka': Kumar Sangakkara celebrates as Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage wins CWG javelin gold over Neeraj Chopra

'Proud day for Sri Lanka': Kumar Sangakkara celebrates as Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage wins CWG javelin gold over Neeraj Chopra originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Rumesh Pathirage wins Sri Lanka's javelin gold with a single legal throw.

Kumar Sangakkara hails historic win as Sri Lanka's fifth Commonwealth gold.

Pathirage and Neeraj Chopra share a close bond, set for LA 2028 rematch.

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Kumar Sangakkara hails "proud day" for Sri Lanka as Pathirage stuns Neeraj Chopra for javelin gold

Rumesh Pathirage needed just one valid throw all evening to walk away with Commonwealth Games gold, and it was enough to leave the rest of a stacked javelin field, including India's Neeraj Chopra, trailing behind him in Glasgow on Friday.

The 23-year-old became only the fifth Sri Lankan ever to win Commonwealth Games gold, and the first since 2006, a landmark achievement given the tricky weather conditions on the night. Pathirage's decisive throw of 89.75 metres put him well clear of the chasing pack, even though he only managed to register one legal attempt across the entire final.

His opening throw had actually travelled close to 85 metres but was ruled out after he stepped over the line, yet he responded without missing a beat, producing his match-winning effort immediately after.

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MORE: CWG 2026: Former Sri Lanka fast bowler stuns Neeraj Chopra to win javelin gold

With Chopra unable to close the gap behind him, Pathirage had the luxury of fouling out all four of his remaining attempts without it costing him the title. Chopra eventually settled for silver with a best effort of 85.83m, while his compatriot Yash Vir Singh claimed bronze courtesy of a personal-best 85.41m.

Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara was among those celebrating the achievement, describing it simply as an incredible and proud day for the nation.

He wrote: "Incredible and proud day for Sri Lanka."

From bowling pace to winning gold

Pathirage's route to the podium began far from an athletics track. He now trains under coach Tony Prasanna, someone he credits not just for shaping his javelin technique but for guiding him well beyond the sport itself.

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Speaking to The Indian Express in an earlier interview, Pathirage explained that it was Prasanna who first introduced him to javelin, and that his coach's consistent message about mastering the fundamentals eventually paid off.

"It was coach Tony who introduced me to javelin. He always tells me that if I master the basics and do them the right way, I will eventually reap the rewards. He is more than a coach. He doesn't just teach me the sport but about life as well," Rumesh said.

Pathirage bowled at 130 kph and once touched 134 kph at the Under-18 level.

"I love playing cricket in my free time," he told Olympics.com. "Whenever I'm back home I love playing softball cricket with my friends in our village - it helps me relax; take my mind off my professional javelin."

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The rivalry with Neeraj Chopra continues toward LA 2028 Olympics

Pathirage holds massive admiration for Chopra, who, somewhat fittingly, played a part in giving him his first real taste of elite competition.

In July 2025, he was invited to the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru, India's first dedicated javelin meet. Chopra won that event, with Pathirage claiming bronze behind former world champion Julius Yego of Kenya.

"Neeraj Chopra is a massive character in South Asia," Pathirage said.

"I am very close to him, and when we meet in competitions, we talk about javelin and other day-to-day things. India lined up a big long-term plan with Neeraj, and he has achieved it. The Olympic gold was a really proud moment for him and his country, and I'm happy for him."

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The two throwers now look set to renew their rivalry at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Chopra arrived in Glasgow still working his way back from a troublesome lower back injury, and by the time LA rolls around, he should be back to full fitness and firing on all cylinders. For fans of the sport, the prospect of these two going head-to-head again, this time with both athletes at their physical best, is a match-up for the ages.

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