India’s Paralympic contingent has been making waves at the Paris Games, with a slew of impressive performances showcasing the nation’s athletic prowess. At the forefront of this success is Sumit Antil, who etched his name in history by becoming the second Indian athlete to defend a Paralympic gold medal.
Antil, the reigning world champion in the F64 javelin throw, delivered a record-breaking performance, surpassing his own previous Paralympic record of 68.55m set in Tokyo three years ago. With a remarkable throw of 70.59m, he secured the gold medal, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication. Antil’s remarkable journey in the sport began after a motorbike accident in 2015, which resulted in the loss of his left leg below the knee. This unfortunate incident, however, did not deter him from pursuing his passion.
He was introduced to javelin by a para athlete in his village in 2018 and went on to compete against Tokyo Olympics champion Neeraj Chopra in the able-bodied Indian Grand Prix series in March 2021, finishing seventh with a throw of 66.43m. Antil’s unwavering determination and resilience have earned him a place among the elite athletes in the world.
Yogesh Kathuniya also brought home a medal for India, securing his second consecutive Paralympic silver in the men’s discus throw F-56 category. He achieved a season’s best effort of 42.22m, adding another feather to his cap. Kathuniya’s story is one of triumph over adversity. At the age of 9, he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare autoimmune condition that led to paralysis. His recovery and return to mobility were possible thanks to his mother, Meena Devi, who learned physiotherapy techniques to help him regain his strength.
India’s Paralympic success continued with Preethi Pal, who made history by becoming the first Indian woman track and field athlete to win two medals at the Paralympics. The 23-year-old secured bronze in the 200m T35 category with a personal best time of 30.01 seconds, adding to her earlier bronze in the 100m T35 category. Preethi’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring athletes, highlighting the power of determination and resilience in overcoming physical challenges.
The Indian Paralympic contingent has made its mark at the Paris Games, demonstrating the country’s growing strength in the world of Paralympic sports. The achievements of Sumit Antil, Yogesh Kathuniya, and Preethi Pal serve as a testament to their exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and the power of the human spirit. Their stories will undoubtedly inspire generations to come, proving that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a belief in oneself.
