India celebrated a memorable day in athletics at the 2026 Commonwealth Games as Neeraj Chopra secured the silver medal in the men's javelin throw, while Yashvir Singh produced a sensational final effort to claim the bronze medal. The double podium finish marked another proud chapter for Indian athletics.

Although Neeraj entered the competition as one of the favourites for the gold medal, it was Sri Lanka's Romesh Tharanga Pathiraga who emerged as the champion with a stunning performance.

Neeraj delivers season's best but settles for silver

The men's javelin final was one of the most anticipated events of the Games. Neeraj Chopra, making his return to the Commonwealth Games after missing the previous edition due to injury, began the competition confidently.

His best effort came in the second round, when he threw the javelin 85.83 metres, briefly taking the lead and recording his best throw of the season.

However, the lead did not last long. In the same round, Sri Lanka's Romesh Tharanga Pathiraga launched a massive throw of 89.73 metres, moving into first place.

Neither athlete managed to improve their mark in the remaining rounds, and no other competitor came close to challenging the top two. Pathiraga's victory also earned Sri Lanka its first Commonwealth Games gold medal since 2006, while Neeraj finished with a well-deserved silver.

Yashvir Singh produces a dramatic comeback

The biggest surprise for India came from Yashvir Singh, who was competing in his first Commonwealth Games.

Heading into the final round, Yashvir was in sixth place with a best throw of 81.33 metres and appeared to be out of medal contention. Under immense pressure, he delivered the throw of his career in his sixth and final attempt.

His javelin landed at 85.41 metres, a new personal best that propelled him to third place, securing the bronze medal and completing India's double podium finish.

Arshad Nadeem exits early

Another major talking point of the final was the unexpected exit of Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, the defending Commonwealth Games champion and reigning Olympic champion.

Returning after injury, Arshad struggled to find his rhythm and failed to cross the 80-metre mark in his first three attempts. As a result, he did not qualify for the final eight competitors and was eliminated before the last three rounds.

Rohit Yadav finishes sixth

India's Rohit Yadav, who was also making his Commonwealth Games debut, finished sixth in the final after a determined performance but missed out on a podium finish.

Medal winners – Men's Javelin Throw

• Gold: Romesh Tharanga Pathiraga (Sri Lanka) – 89.73 metres

• Silver: Neeraj Chopra (India) – 85.83 metres

• Bronze: Yashvir Singh (India) – 85.41 metres

India's silver and bronze medals highlighted the country's growing strength in javelin throw, with experienced star Neeraj Chopra continuing his consistency on the international stage and young Yashvir Singh announcing himself as a rising talent with a career-best performance.