Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
TDK Corporation has been named an official global supporter of the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, scheduled for Budapest, Hungary, from September 11 to 13, 2026. As part of this partnership, TDK will provide the 'TDK Smart Javelin'—a javelin equipped with advanced sensor technology—for a special demonstration session during the championship.
The sensor technology embedded in the javelins will capture and analyze performance metrics such as release angle, rotation, speed, height, and flight trajectory in real time. This will offer athletes and spectators enhanced insights beyond traditional throw measurements. Data visualizations will be displayed at the venue to improve understanding of the technical and physical aspects of javelin throwing.
Top javelin throwers from several countries are set to participate in the demonstration session. These include Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, ranked number one globally in men's javelin in 2026, and Keshorn Walcott, the 2025 world champion and Olympic medalist. Haruka Kitaguchi, the 2024 Olympic champion and 2023 world champion, will attend to discuss the sensor technology but will not participate in the throwing. Hungarian athletes Máté Horváth and Fanni Kövér will also take part.
The session is scheduled for September 11, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. local time at the Training & Warm-Up venue at The Gyula Zsivotzky National Athletics Centre in Budapest.