Sumit Antil Shines Again: India's Paralympic Glory Continues

Sumit Antil defended his F64 javelin throw title with a new Paralympic record at the Paris Games, securing India's third gold medal. With a throw of 70.59m, he extended India's gold count in para-athletics. Antil previously won gold in Tokyo and holds the world record at 73.29m.

India's star javelin thrower, Sumit Antil, clinched the gold in the F64 category at the Paris Paralympics on Monday, setting a new Paralympic record of 70.59m. Antil, who hails from Sonipat in Haryana, bettered his previous Paralympic best of 68.55m set in Tokyo.

This victory makes Antil the first Indian man and second from the country to defend a Paralympic title, following in the footsteps of shooter Avani Lekhara. Antil's latest feat adds to his legacy, which includes a world record throw of 73.29m. His triumph in Paris also brought India's third gold medal in para-athletics and fifth overall from the Games.

Antil, who lost his leg below the knee in a 2015 motorbike accident, has been a dominant force in para javelin throw since being introduced to the sport in 2018. Besides this impressive Paralympic record, he won gold medals in the World Para Athletics Championships and last year's Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China.

(With inputs from agencies.)