India’s golden boy, Neeraj Chopra, has earned his well-deserved reputation. In his two Olympic appearances, he has secured medals for his country: a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and a silver medal with a season-best throw of 89.45 meters at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Many believe Neeraj Chopra is a legend of the sport, and there is no doubt about his achievements. He has broken several records and had an amazing performance in various leagues. However, some may not know that despite India’s significant improvement in javelin throw, the world record in this event is not held by Neeraj Chopra.
Who is Sumit Antil?
India’s Paralympic legend, 26-year-old Sumit Antil, is set to impress with his javelin throw skills in the upcoming Paris Paralympics. He holds a world record in the Paralympic event with a throw of 68.55 meters at the Tokyo Paralympics, where he not only clinched the gold medal but also set a world record.
Also, Sumit not only surpassed the 66-meter mark but also has the 2023 World Championship gold medal to his name. With a throw of 70.83 meters, he became an undisputed legend at a young age. He even surpassed his own record at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou last year, achieving a mark of 73.29 meters to win the gold medal.
What disability does Sumit Antil have?
Speaking more about Antil, born in Sonipat, Haryana, it’s interesting to note that he initially wanted to pursue a career in wrestling. However, in 2015, he was involved in a horrific motorcycle accident when his bike collided with a truck while he was returning from coaching classes. As a result, his left leg was amputated. Despite this setback, he became one of India’s most reliable athletes in the Paralympics. It will be intriguing to see how his career unfolds.