Sumit Antil, India’s javelin throw champion, is gearing up for the upcoming Paralympics in Paris with unwavering determination. Inspired by Neeraj Chopra’s recent silver medal at the Paris Olympics, Antil aims to defend his Tokyo 2020 title and push the boundaries of his sport.
Antil, who will be one of the flag-bearers for India at the Paralympics, has drawn immense motivation from Chopra’s performance at the Stade de France. He believes that Chopra’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure are qualities he aspires to emulate.
“Neeraj bhai’s throw was a great effort. It came after he was carrying an injury, which shows his mental strength,” said Antil. “I’m taking inspiration from him and trying to stay cool and steady in my preparation.”
Antil, who competes in the F-64 category, has a remarkable track record. At Tokyo, he broke the world record thrice, culminating in a gold medal-winning throw of 68.55 meters. He has since continued his winning streak, claiming back-to-back gold medals at the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris and Kobe.
Despite his success, Antil remains grounded and acknowledges the challenges of his sport. He is currently managing a minor back injury, but is confident that it will not hinder his performance in Paris.
“We are very conscious about injuries this time,” said Antil. “I have a minor back injury, but I’m working on it and I’m confident that I will be ready for the competition.”
Antil’s journey to the top has been marked by resilience and determination. After losing his left leg in an accident in 2015, he found solace in javelin throwing. With the support of his family and his own unwavering spirit, he has overcome adversity and become a beacon of inspiration for others.
“I have become more consistent since Tokyo,” said Antil. “The expectations have increased, but I have also become more disciplined. I’m confident that I can perform well in Paris and bring back a good result.”
Antil’s ultimate goal is to reach the 80-meter mark, a testament to his unwavering ambition and the limitless potential of the human spirit.
