KARACHI: In a remarkable performance, Pakistan’s javelin sensation Mohammad Yasir Sultan recorded a season’s best throw to clinch bronze medal on Friday at the Asian Throwing Championships in Mokpo, South Korea.The 27-year-old threw a massive 77.43 metres on his sixth and final attempt to claim a podium finish and smash his previous season’s best of 76.07 metres set at the Asian Athletics Championships held in South Korean city of Gumi last May.

Sri Lanka’s Pathirage Rumesh Tharanga won gold with an 82.05 metres throw to become the only athlete to cross the 80 metres barrier on the occasion. Japan’s Gen Naganuma with 78.60 metres grabbed silver medal.

Yasir opened his campaign with a no-throw, followed by a solid 75.79 metres effort. He then threw two successive throws in the 72 metres range before anther no-throw on his fifth attempt.

It was on his final attempt that the athlete struck his medal-winning 77.43 metres throw.

Yasir said in a social media post that he was happy after season’s best throw despite what her termed “tough conditions”.

He clinched silver at last year’s championships with a 78.10 metres throw and a bronze in 2023 with a 79.93 metres throw, which still stands as his personal best.

In a video message on social media after the final, Yasir said he was grateful to Allah Almighty for enabling him to secure a podium finish.

“I’m happy that I have won a bronze medal for Pakistan. I am thankful to the Athletics Federation of Pakistan, retired Maj Gen Mohammad Akram Sahi and my coach Fayyaz Bukhari. They worked hard and provided continuous opportunities to me to participate at this level,” Yasir said.

He was pleased after recording season’s best throw despite what he termed “tough conditions”.

The spirited athlete expressed determination to build on his performance.

“God willing next time I will win gold medal. I dedicate this bronze to Pakistan and thank everyone who supported me.”

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2025