Sumit Antil Aims for 80m After Defending Paralympic Gold in Javelin

Sumit Antil defended his gold at the Paralympics in the F64 javelin throw class with a record-breaking 70.59m throw. The Indian para-athlete now aims to exceed the 80m mark. Compatriots Sandeep and Sandip Sanjay Sagar missed the podium. Prior golds were won by Nitesh Kumar and Avani Lekhra.

Sumit Antil has once again etched his name in the annals of athletics by successfully defending his gold medal in the javelin throw F64 class at the Paralympics. With a record-breaking attempt of 70.59m, Antil has been garnering accolades and now sets his sights on breaching the 80m mark in future competitions.

Antil kicked off his campaign with an impressive throw of 69.11m, surpassing his previous Paralympic record of 68.55m set in Tokyo. He further raised the bar in his second throw, achieving a remarkable distance of 70.59m. Following this remarkable feat, the 26-year-old expressed his aspiration to cross the 80m threshold in future endeavors, while also yearning for a chance to spend more time with his family.

In the same event, fellow Indian athlete Sandeep aimed for a podium finish, delivering a season-best throw of 62.80m, but ultimately finished fourth. Another compatriot, Sandip Sanjay Sagar, recorded a best attempt of 58.03m, also missing out on a medal. Meanwhile, India's medal tally was bolstered by prior gold wins from para-shuttler Nitesh Kumar in men's singles SL3, and Avani Lekhra in the women's 10m air rifle final.

(With inputs from agencies.)