BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
Image Courtesy: Facebook
Sri Lankan athletics reached a historic new milestone on Thursday night (4) when Ramesh Tharanga produced a sensational throw of 92.62 metres to win the Rome leg of the prestigious Diamond League and etch his name into the sport’s record books.
The remarkable performance not only secured victory for the Sri Lankan star but also established a new national record, a new meeting record, and the best javelin throw recorded anywhere in the world this year.
Historic 90-Metre Barrier Broken
Competing against a world-class field, Tharanga opened the competition with a throw of 84.49m before unleashing a stunning second-attempt effort of 92.62m that left the field trailing in his wake.
With that throw, he became the first Sri Lankan athlete in history to surpass the coveted 90-metre mark in the javelin throw, achieving a feat long considered one of the ultimate benchmarks in the event.
The throw eclipsed the previous Rome Diamond League meeting record of 90.34m and immediately positioned Tharanga among the elite names in global athletics.
World-Leading Performance
Tharanga’s 92.62m effort now stands as the longest javelin throw recorded anywhere in the world during the 2026 season.
Even more impressively, the Sri Lankan star currently owns the three longest throws achieved globally this year, underlining his dominance in the event and establishing him as one of the leading contenders heading into future international competitions.
Among Asia’s Greatest Ever
The historic throw also elevated Tharanga into the upper echelon of Asian athletics.
His 92.62m mark is now the second-best performance ever recorded by an Asian athlete, surpassed only by Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan, who holds the continental record.
The achievement further strengthens Sri Lanka’s growing reputation in world athletics and highlights the country’s emergence as a serious force in the javelin throw.
A Place in Athletics History
Based on performances recorded since the javelin specifications were revised in 1986, Tharanga’s throw ranks as the 21st-best performance in world history.
The achievement also lifts him to eighth place on the all-time world rankings and makes him only the 11th athlete in history to breach the 92-metre barrier.
Adding to the significance of the performance, the 92.62m throw is now recognized as the third-best javelin throw ever recorded in Diamond League history, placing the Sri Lankan alongside some of the sport’s greatest names.
Comfortable Victory in Rome
Following his record-breaking effort, Tharanga maintained control of the competition and secured a comfortable victory.
Anderson Peters of Grenada finished second with a best throw of 83.91m, nearly nine metres behind the Sri Lankan champion.
First-Ever Diamond League Title for Sri Lanka
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the achievement is that Tharanga has become the first Sri Lankan athlete ever to win a Diamond League event, marking a watershed moment for Sri Lankan athletics.
The victory stands among the greatest achievements in the nation’s sporting history and represents a major breakthrough on one of athletics’ biggest international stages.
With the world-leading mark now to his name and his confidence soaring, Tharanga has firmly established himself as one of the favourites in global javelin competition and a genuine medal contender at future major championships.
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