Rumesha Tharanga has won the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw at the Asian Games, securing Sri Lanka’s first gold medal at this year’s Games.
The men’s javelin final got underway at around 8:15 p.m. Japan time, featuring 14 of Asia’s leading javelin throwers.
Tharanga, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, opened his campaign with a throw of 73.53 metres.
He improved significantly with his second attempt, recording 83.34 metres. His third attempt, however, was unsuccessful.
The athletes who recorded the best performances after the first three attempts were given three additional throws.
Tharanga produced another impressive effort in his fourth attempt, throwing 88.33 metres.
He saved his best for his final attempt, sending the javelin 88.55 metres.
That final throw secured the gold medal for Sri Lanka, giving Tharanga the top spot in the men’s javelin final and delivering Sri Lanka its first gold of the Games.
