Daijiworld Media Network - London

London, Aug 1: Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara has hailed Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage's historic gold medal in the men's javelin throw at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, describing it as an "incredible and proud day" for the island nation.

Pathirage, 23, became only the fifth Sri Lankan to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal after producing a winning throw of 89.75 metres on his second attempt at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow.

Despite recording five fouls in the final, his lone successful throw proved enough to secure the title ahead of India's Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra, who claimed silver with a best effort of 85.83m. India's Yash Vir Singh took bronze with a personal-best throw of 85.41m.

"Incredible and proud day for Sri Lanka," Sangakkara posted on social media platform X on Saturday.

A former fast bowler who once clocked 134 kmph at the Under-18 level, Pathirage switched to athletics under coach Tony Prasanna, whom he credits for his transformation into a world-class javelin thrower.

The victory ended Sri Lanka's 20-year wait for a Commonwealth Games gold medal, with the country's last title coming at the 2006 Melbourne Games when weightlifter Chinthana Vidanage won gold.

Paris Olympics bronze medallist Anderson Peters of Grenada narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth with a throw of 83.88m, while reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan ended a disappointing ninth with a best effort of 77.41m.

Pathirage had also topped the qualification round with a throw of 82.84m despite falling short of the automatic qualification mark of 84m.

His remarkable achievement marks a major milestone for Sri Lankan athletics, with the former cricketer's successful transition to javelin throwing emerging as a moment of immense national pride.