Sumit Antil: The Indian Para-Athlete Who Shattered the Paralympic World Record

India's star javelin thrower Sumit Antil clinched the third gold medal for India with a spectacular performance in the Javelin Throw F64 final of Paris Paralympics 2024.

Sumit Antil shattered his own record from the Tokyo Paralympics (68.55 meters) with an incredible throw of 70.59 meters. With this throw, he successfully defended his title and retained the gold medal in the Paris Paralympics as well.

Sumit Antil’s World Record Throw

Sumit Antil, a 26-year-old javelin thrower from Sonipat, Haryana, set a new Paralympic standard in the F64 category with a throw of 70.59 meters. Although his world record stands at an impressive 73.29 meters, this latest achievement highlights his exceptional talent.

In addition to the recent Paralympic success, Sumit Antil has also won gold medals at the World Para Athletics Championships in both 2023 and 2024. He also claimed the top spot at the Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, China, last year.

Sumit’s outstanding performance in the Paralympics also earned him the title of being the second Indian athlete who was able to successfully defend his Paralympic title. Before him, Avani Lekhara was the only Indian para-athlete to achieve this feat.

What is F64 Category?

The F64 category includes athletes with lower limb disabilities, such as those who use prosthetics or have leg length discrepancies.

Paris Paralympics: Which Nation is at the Top?

The Paris Paralympics 2024 started with a spectacular opening ceremony held on August 28. The opening ceremony was followed by the start of events on the very next day. The Paralympic Games, consisting of 22 sports, with 23 disciplines, and 549 events, will conclude on September 8. 

So far, China has dominated the medal table, securing a total of 87 medals, including 43 gold, 30 silver, and 14 bronze, followed by Great Britain with 54 medals.

With this Golden win, Sumit Antil has now joined the elite group of three Indians who have won two Paralympic gold medals. Alongside Sumit, this exclusive club includes Avani Lekhara and Devendra Jhajharia, the current President of the Indian Paralympic Committee. Devendra earned his gold medals in the F46 javelin throw at the 2004 Athens Games and the 2016 Rio Games.