Indian para athlete Sumit Antil continued his winning streak by securing the gold medal in the F64 javelin event at the ongoing World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan. Antil, who won gold at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, showcased his dominance in the field, opening with a throw of 68.17m before unleashing his best effort of 69.50m in the second attempt. He maintained his lead throughout the competition, with his following attempts measuring 64.04m, 65.58m, 69.03m, and 68.08m.
India’s success extended beyond Antil’s triumph. High jumper Thangavelu Mariyappan soared to gold in the T63 category, setting a championship record of 1.88m. This victory marked Mariyappan’s first gold at a major event in eight years. Ekta Bhyan also contributed to India’s medal haul, winning gold in the women’s F51 club throw with a season’s best of 20.12m.
India’s impressive showing at the World Para Athletics Championships has propelled them to third place on the medals table. China currently leads the standings with 41 medals, followed by Brazil with 25 medals. The Indian team’s continued success is a testament to the dedication and hard work of its para athletes, who continue to inspire and excel on the world stage.