Sumit Antil made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympics by winning gold in the men’s javelin throw F64 event. He is the first Indian male para-athlete to defend a Paralympic title.
A Record-Breaking Performance
The 26-year-old athlete shone at the Stade de France. He set a new Paralympic record with a throw of 70.59 meters. Sumit surpassed his own record from Tokyo 2020 three times.
In his first attempt, Sumit threw 69.11 meters, breaking his old record of 68.55 meters. He then set a new record with a throw of 70.59 meters in his second attempt. In his fifth attempt, he achieved 69.04 meters, again exceeding his Tokyo mark. Sumit also holds the world record of 73.29 meters in the F64 class.
Strong Competition
Sandeep Choudhary, competing in the F44 category, finished fourth with a throw of 62.80 meters. Sandip Sanjay Sargar, also in F44, came in seventh with a 58.03-meter throw. Sri Lanka’s Dulan Kodithuwakku set a world record of 67.03 meters for second place, and Australia’s Michal Burian took third with a throw of 64.89 meters.
The Javelin Throw Final
The final featured athletes from both F44 and F64 categories. These classes are for competitors with limb deficiencies. Athletes in these classes compete while standing. F61-64 athletes have leg impairments often assisted by prosthetics.
India’s Paralympic Success
Sumit Antil’s victory added to India’s success at the Games. Earlier, Nitesh Kumar won gold in the men’s SL3 badminton category, and Avani Lekhara defended her 10m air rifle shooting title.
Sumit Antil’s remarkable performance at the Paris Paralympics highlights his dedication and skill. His achievement brings pride to India and cements his place in Paralympic history.
