India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra added another major medal to his glittering career after finishing with silver in the men’s javelin throw final at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. Entering the competition as one of the strongest contenders for gold, the 28-year-old produced a best throw of 85.83m but was beaten by Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, who claimed the title with an outstanding effort of 89.75m.

The result gave Neeraj his second Commonwealth Games medal after the historic gold he won at the 2018 Gold Coast Games. It also marked another significant achievement for Indian athletics, with Yash Vir Singh securing bronze through a best throw of 85.41m. Rohit Yadav finished seventh, completing India’s three-member challenge in the event.

India creates history with two javelin medallists

The final turned into a memorable occasion for Indian athletics as Neeraj Chopra and Yash Vir Singh both finished on the podium. It was the first time that two Indian athletes won medals in the men’s javelin throw at the Commonwealth Games.

While Neeraj continued his remarkable consistency on the international stage, Yash’s bronze medal added another bright chapter to India’s growing success in field events.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, the Paris Olympics gold medallist, endured a disappointing outing. He finished ninth overall and failed to qualify among the top eight athletes in the final standings.

Strong start but Sri Lanka’s Pathirage takes control

Neeraj opened his campaign with a throw of 80.97m. The effort gave him confidence and provided a solid platform for the rest of the competition. His second attempt proved to be his best of the evening as the Indian star sent the javelin to 85.83m, moving into the top position.

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The lead, however, did not last long. Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage responded with a massive throw of 89.75m in his second attempt, a distance that eventually secured the gold medal.

Neeraj recorded 81.29m in his third attempt and remained in second place after the halfway stage of the contest. His fourth throw measured 80.73m, leaving him with two final opportunities to close the gap.

Despite his experience in major championships, Neeraj could not improve on his leading mark over the remaining attempts and finished with the silver medal.

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Second Commonwealth Games medal for Neeraj Chopra

The Glasgow silver adds another milestone to Neeraj Chopra’s impressive list of achievements. His first Commonwealth Games appearance came in 2018, when he produced a season-best throw of 86.47m to win gold at the Gold Coast Games.

That victory made him the first Indian athlete to win the men’s javelin throw title at the Commonwealth Games.

Neeraj was unable to defend that crown in 2022 after a groin injury suffered during the World Athletics Championships in Oregon ruled him out of the Birmingham Games. He focused on recovery before returning to international competition.

With the silver medal in Glasgow, the Olympic champion has now completed another successful Commonwealth Games campaign, while India’s historic double podium highlighted the country’s growing strength in the javelin throw.

FAQs

Who won the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw at Commonwealth Games 2026?

Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage won gold with a best throw of 89.75m.

How far did Neeraj Chopra throw to win silver at CWG 2026?

Neeraj Chopra secured the silver medal with his best throw of 85.83m.