Paralympics 2024: Sumit Antil becomes first-ever India Paralympics athlete to defend his title

On Monday, Sumit Antil made history by winning the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw F64 class at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, becoming the first male Indian para-athlete to successfully defend his title. At 26 years old, Antil’s remarkable achievement at the Stade de France was underscored by his setting a new Paralympic record with a throw of 70.59 meters. This performance not only secured him the top spot but also demonstrated his exceptional skill and determination. Antil's impressive feat was even more notable because he surpassed his own previous Paralympic record, which he set during the Tokyo 2020 Games, on three separate occasions throughout the event. Each time he threw, he managed to outdo his prior record, showcasing an extraordinary level of consistency and improvement. This exceptional display of athletic prowess not only earned him gold but also solidified his position as one of the premier javelin throwers in the F64 class.

By defending his title and breaking his own record, Sumit Antil has set a new benchmark in the world of para-athletics. His triumph at the Paris 2024 Paralympics represents a significant milestone not only in his personal career but also in Indian sports history, highlighting the growing recognition and support for para-athletes on the global stage. Sumit Antil delivered an extraordinary performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, starting with a spectacular throw of 69.11 meters in his first attempt, setting a new Paralympic record and surpassing his previous best of 68.55 meters. This initial throw placed him firmly at the top of the standings, showcasing his impressive form right from the start.

Building on this momentum, Antil further elevated his performance with a throw of 70.59 meters on his second attempt, establishing yet another new Paralympic record. His consistency and skill were evident as he continued to outshine his previous achievements. In his fifth attempt, Antil threw 69.04 meters, once again exceeding his Tokyo 2020 mark, demonstrating his ability to maintain high standards throughout the competition.

Antil’s remarkable performance not only secured him the gold medal but also highlighted his dominance in the F64 javelin throw category. In addition to his Paralympic records, he holds the world record for the F64 class with a remarkable throw of 73.29 meters. His achievements at Paris 2024 reaffirm his position as one of the foremost athletes in his field, combining incredible consistency with groundbreaking performances. Sumit Antil’s feats at this event underscore his exceptional talent and solidify his legacy in the sport of para-athletics. 

"I was hoping to break the world record, but it’s good to have got the Paralympic record," Sumit said in a recent interview. 

In the javelin throw final at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, athletes from the F44 and F64 categories showcased their skills, each vying for top honors in a highly competitive event. Among the notable performances was Sandeep Choudhary, an F44 athlete, who achieved a best throw of 62.80 meters. Despite his impressive effort, Choudhary finished in fourth place for the third consecutive Paralympic Games, highlighting his consistent yet just short-of-podium finishes. Sandip Sanjay Sargar, another F44 competitor, placed seventh with a throw of 58.03 meters. Both athletes demonstrated strong performances, though they fell short of the top spots in this event.

Sri Lanka’s Dulan Kodithuwakku made a significant impact by setting a new world record in the F44 category with an impressive throw of 67.03 meters, earning him second place. Australia’s Michal Burian also had a commendable showing, securing third place with a throw of 64.89 meters. The final featured competitors from both F44 and F64 categories, sports classes designed for athletes with limb deficiencies such as amputations or congenital limb reductions. All participants in these categories compete while standing, which adds to the challenge and excitement of the event. The diverse range of talent on display underscored the high level of competition and the athletes' remarkable abilities, contributing to a memorable and dynamic javelin throw final.

In the classifications for the Paralympic javelin throw, classes 42-44 are designated for athletes whose impairments affect their legs. Specifically, those competing with leg deficiencies and using prosthetics are categorized in the F61-64 classes. These classifications help ensure fair competition by grouping athletes based on the nature and extent of their impairments. Sumit Antil’s recent gold medal win in the men’s javelin throw F64 class marked India’s third gold medal at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympics. Earlier in the day, Nitesh Kumar brought home gold in the men’s SL3 class of badminton, showcasing India's strong performance across multiple sports. Additionally, Avani Lekhara successfully defended her title in the 10m air rifle shooting standing SH1 class on Friday, further contributing to India's impressive medal tally at the Games.

These achievements highlight the exceptional talent and dedication of Indian para-athletes, reflecting their hard work and preparation. The performances of Antil, Kumar, and Lekhara underscore India's growing prominence in the Paralympic arena and the country’s commitment to supporting and celebrating its athletes' successes on the global stage.

India Paralympics medal tally at Paris 2024