There isn’t any shock to see Indian para athlete Sumit Antil, who gained the gold medal in javelin throw on the Tokyo Paralympics 2020, taking inspiration from Neeraj Chopra.
Antil can be competing on the upcoming Paralympics in Paris and is gunning to defend his gold medal. Antil can be one among India’s two flag bearers on the Paralympics.
The 26-year-old from Sonepat in Haryana misplaced his left leg in an accident in 2015 and now competes with a prosthetic leg.
Chatting with SAI Media, Antil mentioned Neeraj Chopra’s throw of 89.45m evokes him to offer his greatest when he competes within the Paralympics, commencing on August 28 in Paris. “Neeraj bhai’s 89.45m throw was an incredible effort. It was his season’s greatest and it got here after he was carrying an harm. That claims rather a lot in regards to the man,” Antil instructed SAI.
Antil broke the world report thrice on the Tokyo Paralympics and his final throw of 68.55m fetched him the gold medal within the F-64 class.
He gained gold medals on the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris (in 2023) and in Kobe (in 2024). He threw the javelin a distance of 73.29m within the F-64 class on the Hangzhou Asian Para Video games 2023, a world report.
Antil mentioned he’s going to observe Neeraj Chopra’s recommendation fully. “Neeraj bhai says that I shouldn’t attempt something new and simply belief my preparation by staying cool and regular,” he added.
The Haryana-based javelin thrower has benefitted from the Sports activities Ministry’s Goal Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS) and has acquired a complete funding of INR 58.97 lakh from the ministry.
Antil, who has been affected by a again harm, confirmed that he’s certain to get better from the harm nicely in time for the Paralympics. “We’re very aware about accidents this time. It does influence our throws. Proper now I’ve a minor again harm and I don’t need that to influence my efficiency in Paris. Aside from that my preparation has been good and I’ll attempt to return with a superb end result,” he added.
