India Shines at Paralympics: Golden Debut & Record-Breaking Feats

Inspired by the nation's armed forces and cricket star Virat Kohli, Kumar Nitesh secured gold in para-badminton at the Paralympic Games. Javelin throw champion Sumit Antil followed suit by defending his title. Their combined efforts spotlighted India's successful campaign, securing several other medals and setting new records.

Inspired by the nation's armed forces and cricket star Virat Kohli, Kumar Nitesh secured a gold medal in para-badminton at the ongoing Paralympic Games. His triumph was matched by javelin throw champion Sumit Antil, who defended his title with a games record throw of 70.59m. These heroics placed India on track for a record-breaking medal haul.

Nitesh, a 29-year-old engineering graduate from IIT-Mandi, won the men's singles SL3 category, defeating Tokyo silver-medallist Daniel Bethell in a gruelling final. Antil, meanwhile, set a new Paralympic record and became the first Indian man to defend a Paralympic title. His world record stands at 73.29m.

The day saw India clinch additional silver and bronze medals in events such as discus throw, para-badminton, and archery, bringing the nation to the top-20 with a total of 14 medals so far. The country aims to surpass its 19-medal haul from the Tokyo Games.

(With inputs from agencies.)