Sumit Antil grew to become the second Indian after Avani Lekhara to win back-to-back gold medals on the Paralympics. Each Antil and Lekhara gained gold medals at 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
Paris: India’s Sumit Antil broke his report twice to defend his Paralympic javelin gold on Monday. Coming in as a pre-competition favorite, Antil broke his report in his first try when he threw the spear to a distance of 69.11m within the males’s F64 class. He bettered his throw in his second try and report a distance of 70.59m, which turned out to be his profitable throw. With this win, Antil grew to become the primary man to defend his Paralympic gold. Antil additionally grew to become the second Indian after shooter Avani Lekhara to win back-to-back Paralympic gold medals.
India’s medal tally rose to 14 with three gold, 5 silver and 6 bronze medals. The 26-year-old world report holder from Sonipat in Haryana bettered his personal earlier Paralympic report of 68.55m set in Tokyo whereas profitable the gold three years in the past. His world report stands at 73.29m. F64 class is for athletes with issues within the decrease limb(s), these competing with prosthesis or affected by leg size variations.
Sri Lanka’s Dulan Kodithuwakku gained silver with a throw of 67.03m whereas Australian Michal Burian went residence with bronze with 64.89m. The opposite Indians within the fray – Sandeep completed fourth with a greatest throw of 62.80m , whereas Sandip Sargar completed seventh with a greatest throw of 58.03 metres.
Antil continued his sturdy run with a 3rd throw of 66.66m earlier than making a foul in his fourth try. He wrapped up the occasion with throws of 69.04m and 66.57m in his fifth and sixth makes an attempt respectively. Notably, no different athlete managed to breach the 70m barrier.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Antil. “Distinctive efficiency by Sumit! Congratulations to him for profitable the Gold within the Males’s Javelin F64 occasion! He has proven excellent consistency and excellence. Finest needs for his upcoming endeavours,” Modi posted on X.
