Dinesh Priyantha

Dinesh Priyantha Herath
Personal information
Full nameHerath Mudiyansalage Dinesh Priyantha
NationalitySri Lankan
Born (1986-07-15) 15 July 1986 (age 38)
Kagama, Anuradhapura, North Central Province, Sri Lanka
Military career
Allegiance Sri Lanka
Service / branch Sri Lanka Army
Years of service2004 – 2008
Rank Warrant officer I
UnitGajaba Regiment
Sport
CountrySri Lanka
SportParalympic athletics
Disability classT46
EventJavelin throw
Coached byPradeep Nishantha[1][2]
Achievements and titles
Paralympic finals2016 Rio de Janeiro
2020 Tokyo
Personal bestsWR 67.79 m (2021)
Medal record
Men's para-athletics
Representing  Sri Lanka
Event 1st 2nd 3rd
Paralympic Games 1 0 1
World Championships 0 2 1
Asian Para Games 1 0 0
Total 2 2 2
Paralympic Games
Gold medal – first place 2020 Tokyo Javelin throw F46
Bronze medal – third place 2016 Rio de Janeiro Javelin throw F46
World Championships
Silver medal – second place 2017 London Javelin throw F46
Silver medal – second place 2019 Dubai Javelin throw F46
Bronze medal – third place 2023 Paris Javelin throw F46
Asian Para Games
Gold medal – first place 2018 Jakarta Javelin throw F46

Herath Mudiyansalage Dinesh Priyantha, also simply known as Dinesh Priyantha (born 15 July 1986), is a Sri Lankan Paralympic track and field athlete who competes in javelin T46 events.[3] He also served as an important member for the Sri Lanka Army during the Sri Lankan Civil War. He was disabled after being shot at his left arm during the final stages of the war.[4] He is the defending Paralympic champion in men's javelin throw F46 category. On 30 August 2021, he became the first ever Sri Lankan to win a gold medal at the Paralympics when he won the men's javelin throw F46 category.[5][6] He is the current Paralympic and World record holder in men's javelin throw for F46 category.

  1. ^ Nadeera, Dilshan. "Throwers eager to create history at Tokyo Paralympics". Retrieved 2021-08-31.
  2. ^ "Herath's success in Tokyo no surprise says coach". Daily News. Retrieved 2021-08-31.
  3. ^ "Dubai 2019 - Dinesh Priyantha". International Paralympic Committee. Archived from the original on 2019-12-25. Retrieved 2019-12-02.
  4. ^ "Dinesh Priyantha Herath Herath Mudiyanselage - Athletics | Paralympic Athlete Profile". International Paralympic Committee. Retrieved 2021-07-21.
  5. ^ "Sri Lanka's Dinesh Priyantha sets new world record in Men's Javelin Throw F46". www.adaderana.lk. Retrieved 2021-08-30.
  6. ^ "History made: Dinesh Priyantha wins Sri Lanka's first-ever Paralympic gold medal". Tokyo 2020. Archived from the original on 2021-08-30. Retrieved 2021-08-30.