Sumit Antil delivered a spectacular performance at the Paris Paralympics, successfully defending his gold medal in the men’s javelin throw F64 final with two record-breaking throws. On September 3, 2024, Sumit first surpassed his own Paralympic record set in Tokyo with a throw of 69.11 meters. He then pushed the boundaries even further with a new record-breaking distance of 70.59 meters, ensuring his place at the top of the podium.
This gold medal marks India’s third in the ongoing Paralympics. Sumit’s achievement follows earlier victories by Indian athletes: Nitesh Kumar, who won gold in the men’s singles SL3 category, and Avani Lekhra, who secured India’s first gold with her impressive performance in the women’s 10m air rifle final.
Despite Sumit’s triumph, his compatriot Sandeep Kumar narrowly missed the podium with a season-best throw of 62.80 meters, finishing in fourth place. Sandip Sanjay Sagar also competed but did not secure a medal, with his best throw being 58.03 meters.
In the final standings, Sri Lanka’s Dulan Kodithuwakku took silver with a best throw of 67.03 meters, and Australia’s Michal Burian earned bronze with a season-best throw of 64.89 meters.
