Topic
6 articles
Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage won Sri Lanka's first athletics gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a throw of 89.75 meters, upsetting favorites Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem. The 23-year-old, a former cricket fast bowler, made history in a dramatic final.
Arshad Nadeem will defend his Commonwealth javelin title against a strong field led by Sri Lanka's Rumesh Pathirage, who topped qualifying. The final also renews the Chopra-Nadeem rivalry, with both veterans competing despite injury-hit seasons.
The Paris Diamond League athletics meeting will proceed this weekend amid a historic heatwave in France, but only professional events will be held to ensure safety. Organizers have implemented measures such as delayed gate opening, enhanced medical services, and additional water stations. Top athletes like Noah Lyles are expected to compete.
Kibiwott Kandie, former world record holder in the half marathon, has been banned for seven years by the AIU for two anti-doping violations: refusing to provide a sample and attempting to subvert the testing process. The 30-year-old Kenyan, who won Commonwealth bronze, initially faced an eight-year suspension but had it reduced after accepting sanctions early. His ban runs from March 2025 to March 2032.
American sprinter Noah Lyles set a world best at the rarely run 150 meters, clocking 14.67 seconds at the Golden Spike meet in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
With a population of just 2.5 million, Botswana has become a new powerhouse in men's sprinting thanks to long-term investment in young talent. The success is highlighted by Letsile Tebogo's Olympic gold and relay medals. However, sports officials warn that school sports programs, suspended since 2019, are crucial to sustain this momentum.
