Sumit Antil scripted history by winning another gold for India at the Paris Paralympics. The javelin thrower from Haryana not only clinched the gold medal for the second consecutive time but also set another Paralympic record at the games. He made his best throw of 70.59m in his second attempt. Kodithuwakku Dulan won silver with a 67.03m throw, and Michal Burian from Australia claimed bronze with his season best throw of 64.89m. Another Indian in the event Sanjay Sandir Sargar failed to win any medal. He finished 7th with his best attempt of 58.03m.
This was India’s 3rd gold, as Nitesh Kumar in badminton men’s singles SL3 and Avani Lekhara in women’s singles SU5 had earlier clinched gold at Paris.
The second attempt from Sumit led to the Paralympic record
Sumit’s best throw came in his second attempt, where he threw 70.59 meters, setting a new Paralympic record. His first throw was 69.11 meters, the third was 66.66 meters, and the fifth was 69.04 meters. His last attempt was 66.57 meters, and he fouled in the fourth attempt.
Second Paralympic gold for Sumit Antil
This is the second gold for Sumit Antil. Earlier, he won gold at the Tokyo Paralympics with a world record throw of 68.55 metres in the F64 category. He continued his success by winning gold at the World Para Championships last year and breaking his own record with a 73.29m throw at the Asian Para Games.
The gold medal quest for Sumit continues
Sumit is often called the Neeraj Chopra of the para-javelin events. He has won two golds at the Paralympics, two golds at the World Championships, and a gold at the Asian Para Games. This athlete has never settled for anything less than gold. He was also the flagbearer for India at the Paris Paralympics.
