Sumit Antil, India’s gold medalist in javelin throw at the Tokyo Paralympics, has his sights set on even greater heights in Paris. The 26-year-old athlete, who will proudly carry the Indian flag at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paralympics, is aiming for a world-record breaking throw of 80 meters.
Antil’s journey to the top has been marked by unwavering determination. He lost one limb in a road accident in 2015 but has since gone on to set multiple world records. He holds the current world record of 73.29 meters, achieved at the Hangzhou Para Asian Games in 2023. He is known for his consistent performances and has been diligently working on increasing his strength without compromising his technique.
Despite the pressure of defending his title and being India’s flag bearer, Antil remains focused. He believes that his dedication to training and his unwavering pursuit of improvement will carry him through the challenges ahead. Antil prioritizes practice and has limited his participation in competitions in order to hone his skills. He attributes his success to the support of the Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS), which has provided him with prosthetics and essential training resources.
Antil’s confidence is further boosted by the strong Indian contingent heading to the Paralympics, comprising 84 athletes across 12 disciplines. The team’s presence and his role as flag bearer fill him with pride and a sense of camaraderie.
Looking beyond his own ambitions, Antil expresses his admiration for fellow Indian athlete Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic javelin champion. He believes that Chopra’s continued success, particularly once he surpasses the 90-meter mark, will inspire countless more gold medals for India.
Antil’s journey to Paris is a testament to the power of resilience and unwavering dedication. His pursuit of excellence sets an inspiring example for aspiring athletes and showcases the potential of Indian sports on the global stage.
