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Yuvaraja Karunakaran

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All you need to know about Sumit Antil and India's 2024 Paralympics goal

All you need to know about Sumit Antil and India's 2024 Paralympics goal

All you need to know about Sumit Antil and India's 2024 Paralympics goal

The 2020 Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist and star Indian javelin thrower Sumit Antil wants to improve his world record and defend his title in the men’s F64 category at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. The 2024 Paralympic Games are just around the corner and will run from August 28 to September 8. Amidst the excitement, Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist Sumit Antil and Asian Para Games silver medallist Bhagyashree Jadhav have been selected as India's flagbearers for the 2024 Paralympics opening ceremony. India won 19 medals at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics five gold, eight silver and six bronze. In this blog, we take a look at Sumit Antil and the India Paralympics team's goal of improving on their medal rush in Paris.

All you need to know about Sumit Antil and India's 2024 Paralympics goal

After sending a record number of 117 individuals to the Paris Olympics, India prepares to send its largest-ever Paralympic team to the games. A total of 84 athletes have been shortlisted for the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games. In just a few weeks, we'll have another chance to cheer our fellow Indian athletes. The 2024 Paralympic Games are just around the corner and will run from August 28 to September 8, with the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, August 28. Star Indian javelin thrower Sumit Antil is planning to break his own world record and retain his crown at the Paris Paralympics 2024 with a 75 m throw. Sumit Antil is also one of India's flagbearers at the Paris Paralympics opening ceremony.

1. Sumit Antil reveals his Paris Paralympics 2024 goal for India

The 2020 Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist Sumit Antil said that he had been working hard on increasing his strength without changing the technique. When asked if he was feeling the pressure of being India's flagbearer and the defending champion, Sumit said he wasn't feeling any at the moment and will try to give his best during the Paris Paralympics 2024. The star Indian javelin thrower also said he is aiming to enjoy the moment of being the flagbearer as it would be the first time he would be part of the Paralympics opening ceremony having missed the one in Tokyo.

"My long-term goal is to achieve a distance of 80 meters, but in the Paris Paralympics, I will try to win the gold medal with an effort of 75 meters. My throws during practice have been quite consistent. I have worked hard on increasing strength without changing my technique. I will try to improve my previous record. There is no pressure right now. But once you reach the Games village or the competition venue, things become a little different. I want to enjoy this moment. For the first time, such a large and strong contingent from India is going to the Paralympics, and I feel proud to be the flag bearer," Sumit Antil said.

Sumit Antil said that he has been a part of the Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS) since 2019 and he is getting all kinds of help from it. Sumit Antil's fifth throw of 68.55m in the final earned him a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. The star Indian javelin thrower added that after the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, he focused more on practicing instead of participating in different competitions. He has improved his performance setting a new world record of 73.29 meters at the 2022 Asian Para Games and winning the gold medal at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships.

2. India Paralympics team confident of 25 medal target despite Pramod Bhagat suspension

India is all set to compete in 12 sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, blind judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo. Unfortunately, Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist para shuttler Pramod Bhagat is set to miss the Paris Paralympics 2024 after being found guilty of breaching the BWF anti-doping regulations. Pramod Bhagat has now appealed this decision to the CAS Appeals Division. A statement from BWF on Tuesday, August 13 morning confirmed Bhagat’s ineligibility to participate in the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Pramod alleged that 'a small technical issue' spoiled his dream of defending the Paralympics gold medal.

3. What are the expectations and where can we watch the Paris Paralympics 2024 from India?

Amidst all the buzz, Shot putter Bhagyashree Jadhav and javelin thrower Sumit Antil will lead the India Paralympics contingent at the opening ceremony on Wednesday, August 28. The Paris Paralympics 2024 will run from August 28 to September 8. Fans can catch 16 sports in action on Saturday, August 31. The opening ceremony of this summer’s Paralympics takes place on Wednesday, August 28. Fans in the Indian subcontinent were able to catch all the live action on TV and live streaming from the Olympic games. 100 Sports Management has secured broadcasting and digital media rights for the Paris Paralympics 2024 in India, ensuring wide accessibility and celebrating the resilience and achievements of these exceptional athletes.

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