India, Sept. 15 -- Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga has suffered an unfortunate setback ahead of the 2026 Asian Games after several of his javelins were damaged during his journey back home. Tharanga had just returned from Budapest, Hungary, where he won the men's javelin title at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship on September 13. The damage to his equipment has raised concerns over his preparations for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

However, the Sri Lankan government has stepped in to ensure the setback does not affect Tharanga's training. Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage has instructed officials to fast-track the purchase of a new set of international-standard javelins at government expense.

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