Sumit Antil, the Indian javelin thrower, displayed an exceptional performance at the Paris Paralympics, successfully defending his gold medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw F64 category. Antil’s winning throw of 70.59m not only secured him the top spot but also shattered his own Paralympic Games record, set at Tokyo 2020. He achieved this remarkable feat at the Stade de France in Paris on Monday.
Antil’s dominance was evident right from the start as he opened his competition with a throw of 69.11m, surpassing his previous Paralympic Games record of 68.55m. He then went on to break his own record again with his second attempt, throwing an impressive 70.59m. While his remaining four attempts yielded throws of 66.66m, a foul, 69.04m, and 66.57m, his initial two throws were enough to secure the gold medal.
Sri Lanka’s Dulan Kodithuwakku secured the silver medal with a throw of 67.03m, setting a new World Record in the F44 category. Australia’s Michal Buran finished with the bronze medal, achieving a throw of 64.89m.
Sumit Antil’s gold medal triumph added to India’s growing success at the ongoing Paralympics. With his victory, India’s medal tally currently stands at 14 medals, including three gold, five silver, and six bronze medals.