Following in the footsteps of Neeraj Chopra, India's para javelin throw superstar Sumit Antil came true to his promise of gold in Paris, setting a new Paralympics record of 70.59m on Monday (September 2, 2024) en route his second successive top-placed finish at the grandest stage possible. (Medal Tally | Full Coverage | Sports News)
The 26-year-old Sumit became the first Indian man to defend a Paralympics title when he struck gold at the men's javelin throw F64 event of Paris Paralympic Games, three years after finishing on top at the Tokyo edition.
So, who is Sumit Antil?
Born in Sonipat, Haryana, Sumit used to be a wrestler before an accident in 2015 changed his life completely. His father was in the Indian Air Force, and so, Sumit had to be carried to the Army Hospital where the doctors had to amputate his leg below the knee.
Post the accident, Sumit left his dream of wrestling and in July 2017, a para-athlete named Rajkumar told him about Para Games that changed his life forever.
Early days was a challenge for Sumit but with the support of his family and friends, he kept the focus on improving day by day.
His feats included a gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics, silver at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2019, silver medal at the Paris Open Handisport 2019 and another silver at the World Para Athletics Championship in Dubai.
