Sumit Antil Aims to Defend Paralympic Javelin Title, Inspired by Neeraj Chopra

Sumit Antil Aims to Defend Paralympic Javelin Title, Inspired by Neeraj Chopra

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.

Indian Javelin Thrower Sumit Antil Aims to Defend Paralympic Title with Improved World Record

Indian Javelin Thrower Sumit Antil Aims to Defend Paralympic Title with Improved World Record

Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist Sumit Antil, India’s javelin thrower, has set his sights on improving his world record and defending his title in the Men’s F64 category at the Paris Paralympics Games in 2024. Antil, along with Bhagyashree Jadhav (shot put, F34 category), will be the Indian flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Paralympics Games, which will be held from August 28 to September 8, 2024.

Antil, who lost one of his limbs in a road accident in 2015, has been on a remarkable journey since then. He set a world record thrice in the Tokyo Paralympics and won the gold medal with the best throw of 68.55 meters. He bettered it with a new world record throw of 70.83 meters at the 2023 Para World Championships and further improved it at the Hangzhou Para Asian Games (2023) to win the gold with an effort of 73.29 meters.

“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,” the 26-year-old told PTI-Bhasha in an exclusive interview.

Antil has been working hard on increasing his strength without changing his technique. He believes that his throws during practice have been quite consistent and that he can improve upon his previous record.

When asked about the pressure of being defending champion and being the Indian flag bearer, Antil said, “There is no pressure right now, but things will be known after reaching Paris. Once you reach the Games village or at the competition venue, things become a little different. I will try to do my best without taking pressure.”

“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,” he added.

The Indian contingent comprises 84 athletes across 12 disciplines for the Paralympics. Antil, who is a Padma Shri awardee, said, “Being a flag bearer in an event like Paralympics is a different kind of emotion. This is the first time I will be a part of the opening ceremony of the Paralympics.”

After the Tokyo Paralympics, Antil focused more on practicing instead of participating in different competitions. He said, “I have participated in very limited competitions. I have spent more time in practice. Competitions keep going on, but my aim is to get a medal for India in the Paralympics, and my entire focus has been on this for the last three years.”

Antil prefers to practice in India rather than abroad. He said, “I went to Finland in 2018, but I did not feel much improvement there. I practice at SAI (Sports Authority of India) Sonipat center, which is equipped with a track for Javelin throw and world-class facilities.”

Antil is also a part of the Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS) since 2019 and is getting all kinds of help from it. “I have been a part of the TOPS scheme since 2019, and since that time, I have been getting prosthetic legs from abroad. Along with my prosthetics, TOPS provides everything I need for my game,” he concluded.

Arshad Nadeem's Olympic Gold: Triumph Over Injury

Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic Gold: Triumph Over Injury

Pakistan’s javelin star Arshad Nadeem has revealed that he competed at the Paris Olympics 2024 with an injury, adding another layer to his remarkable gold medal triumph.

Nadeem’s 92.97m throw shattered the Olympic record and secured Pakistan’s first gold medal at the Games since 1984. However, the victory came with a hidden struggle, as Nadeem disclosed during a visit to the Prime Minister’s office in Islamabad.

“Just five minutes before I had to go to the call room, I felt a pain,” Nadeem said. “I told my coach, and he said, ‘kuch nahi hota, tu sher hai (there will be no issues, you are a lion).’ I had actually picked up an injury while throwing on 21st July when we were training at Punjab Stadium.”

Despite the injury and the pressure of competing against reigning champion Neeraj Chopra of India, Nadeem maintained his composure. He credited his coach for keeping his morale high.

“During the first throw, I felt some pain and the doctor applied some medicine,” Nadeem added. “I told him I didn’t know if that would have any effect. The doctor also told me ‘tum sher ho’. Both the doctor and coach told me the same words.”

Nadeem’s injury revelation adds to the significance of his achievement. It underscores his determination and resilience, as well as the support he received from his team.

The gold medal has been met with widespread celebration in Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a grand reward of PKR 150 million to Nadeem, as well as a civil award. Chief Minister of the province of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, awarded Nadeem PKR 10 million, as well as a Honda Civic Car with a specially stylized number plate reading ‘PAK 92.97’.

Nadeem’s triumph is a testament to the talent and dedication of Pakistani athletes. It is a moment of national pride and inspiration, and a reminder that even with adversity, anything is possible.

Arshad Nadeem Calls for Modern Facilities for Women Athletes

Arshad Nadeem Calls for Modern Facilities for Women Athletes

Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s Olympic javelin throw gold medalist, has called for the government to invest in modern facilities for women athletes. Nadeem, who returned home to a hero’s welcome after winning Pakistan’s first Olympic gold since 1984, has received numerous cash prizes, cars, and other gifts. However, he believes that the government should prioritize the development of sports infrastructure and education for women.

“We badly need facilities for our women and even men to acquire higher education in our area,” Nadeem said on ARY News. “Nowadays, young athletes need to be given the best facilities.”

Nadeem, who appeared on the show with his wife Rashida, also spoke about the buffalo gifted to him by his father-in-law for winning the Olympic gold medal. “I was a bit surprised with the announcement,” he said with a smile. “My father-in-law is a very rich person and has a lot of land. If only he had given me 4-5 acres of farm land instead of the buffalo.”

Rashida revealed that she knew about Nadeem’s injury problems before the Olympics but kept it away from other family members. “When he went for the Games, I couldn’t sleep for three days,” she said. “I just kept on praying that he would remain fit and return with a gold medal.”

Nadeem’s long-time coach, Salman Butt, said the ace javelin thrower will return to training in a month’s time. “Arshad knows that he has to work harder to maintain his position,” Butt said. “There is great competition in the javelin throw in the international field.”

Nadeem’s victory has sparked a renewed interest in sports in Pakistan. He hopes that his success will inspire other young athletes, especially women, to pursue their dreams. “I want to see more women from Pakistan competing at the highest level,” he said. “We have the talent, but we need the facilities and support to succeed.”

Arshad Nadeem vs Neeraj Chopra Rivalry Surpasses Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Arshad Nadeem vs Neeraj Chopra Rivalry Surpasses Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem’s historic gold medal victory in the men’s javelin throw at the Paris Olympics 2024 has sparked comparisons to the iconic Border-Gavaskar Trophy rivalry between India and Australia. Nadeem’s record-breaking throw of 92.97m dethroned defending champion Neeraj Chopra of India, who settled for silver with a throw of 89.45m.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has ignited the debate, claiming that the rivalry between Nadeem and Chopra has surpassed the magnitude of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Ali argues that the India-Pakistan rivalry transcends all other sporting contests, including the Ashes between England and Australia.

“The whole world knows that India vs Pakistan is on one side and everything else is on the other side. Even Ashes isn’t that big,” Ali said on his YouTube channel.

Ali believes that the rivalry between Nadeem and Chopra will draw massive crowds regardless of the venue. “When Neeraj and Arshad compete in javelin, the whole world will be in front of the television, and the stadium will be full,” he added.

Nadeem’s gold medal was Pakistan’s first in 40 years since the men’s team won it in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. The victory has ignited a sense of national pride in Pakistan and has further fueled the rivalry with India.

While the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a bilateral cricket series, the rivalry between Nadeem and Chopra extends beyond the confines of a single sport. It represents the intense competition and national pride that exists between India and Pakistan.

Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem: A Bond Beyond Competition

Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem: A Bond Beyond Competition

Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem: A Tale of Sportsmanship and Mutual Respect

India’s Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem are fierce competitors on the javelin field, but off the ground, they share an unbreakable bond. Their mutual respect and admiration transcend the outcome of any competition.

In the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024, Arshad claimed the gold medal in the javelin throw event, while Neeraj secured the silver. Despite the rivalry, their camaraderie was evident in a post-medal ceremony interview.

When asked who he would cast as Arshad in a biopic, Neeraj suggested Amitabh Bachchan, citing his height and stature. Arshad, in turn, proposed Shah Rukh Khan for Neeraj’s biopic.

Neeraj’s silver medal performance in Paris was a testament to his determination and resilience. Despite falling short of retaining his gold, he acknowledged his physical limitations and vowed to improve.

“Mentally I was ready, but physically, I was retraining myself. My legwork on the runway was not how it should have been,” Neeraj said.

He also announced his participation in the Lausanne Diamond League, scheduled to begin on August 22.

The bond between Neeraj and Arshad is a beacon of sportsmanship and camaraderie. It demonstrates that even in the face of intense competition, respect and friendship can prevail.

Neeraj Chopra Battles Injury, Aims for Distance Improvement

Neeraj Chopra Battles Injury, Aims for Distance Improvement

Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic silver medalist in javelin throw, is currently training in Switzerland to prepare for his upcoming competitions. Despite battling a long-standing groin injury, Chopra remains confident in his abilities and aims to improve his distance.

Chopra’s injury has limited his training sessions, but he has managed to maintain his form and consistency. He plans to compete in the Lausanne Diamond League on August 22 and will continue through the season before undergoing surgery for his groin issue.

Despite his injury, Chopra believes he could have surpassed Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic record throw of 92.97m. However, he acknowledges that his physical limitations prevented him from pushing himself to the limit.

Chopra’s performance in Paris was affected by the fast track at the Stade de France, which caused him to foul more often than usual. He also struggled with his legwork on the runway, which hindered his ability to generate power in his throws.

Despite the challenges, Chopra is satisfied with his silver medal and believes it is a testament to his resilience and determination. He is eager to improve his distance and cross the 90m barrier, but recognizes that he needs to be injury-free to achieve his goals.

Chopra’s consistency at major competitions has raised the bar for Indian athletics and drummed up interest in javelin throw. His performance in Paris, even while battling an injury, is a reminder of his exceptional talent and the bright future of Indian sports.

Arshad Nadeem's Olympic Gold Sparks Controversy over Olympian Invitations

Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic Gold Sparks Controversy over Olympian Invitations

Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s celebrated javelin thrower, has become a national icon after his historic gold medal victory at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. His record-breaking throw of 92.97m ended Pakistan’s long wait for an Olympic gold medal.

Upon his return to Pakistan, Nadeem has been showered with accolades and rewards. The Punjab government recently honored him with a cash prize of 10 million Pakistani rupees and a brand-new car. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally visited Nadeem’s village to present him with the awards.

“Arshad deserves everything he gets because he has brought so much joy and pride to the nation,” Nawaz said.

However, the celebrations have been marred by controversy. Former hockey player Rao Saleem Nazim alleged that the Pakistan government withdrew invitations to several Olympians for the gala dinner hosted in Nadeem’s honor.

Nazim, who heads the former Pakistan hockey players forum, claimed that the PM House had initially sent invitations to hockey stalwarts but later withdrew them due to guest management issues.

“Is this how you show respect to players who have brought not one but several Olympic medals in hockey for the country?” Nazim questioned.

Pakistan’s last Olympic gold medal came in 1983 in hockey, and the last time the country won any medal in the Summer Games was also through hockey in 1992. The Pakistan hockey team has not qualified for the last three Olympic Games.

Despite the controversy, Nadeem’s achievement has brought immense joy and pride to Pakistan. His victory has inspired a new generation of athletes and has reignited the nation’s passion for sports.

Neeraj Chopra Settles for Silver in Paris Olympics Javelin Throw

Neeraj Chopra Settles for Silver in Paris Olympics Javelin Throw

Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, fell short of retaining his gold medal at the recently concluded Paris Olympics, settling for silver with a best throw of 89.45 meters. In a virtual press briefing, Chopra expressed his disappointment, acknowledging that he lacked the physical sharpness to push himself to his limits.

“Mentally, I was ready, but physically, I was retraining myself,” Chopra said. “My legwork on the runway was not how it should have been. My efforts were going in vain.”

Chopra’s silver medal came behind Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who set a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters. Grenada’s Anderson Peters secured bronze with a throw of 88.54 meters.

Chopra’s performance was particularly disappointing given his previous dominance over Nadeem, whom he had defeated in all nine of their previous head-to-head matchups. However, Nadeem’s throw of 90.18 meters at the 2022 Commonwealth Games had surpassed Chopra’s top effort.

Chopra admitted that the last two to three years have been challenging for him in terms of fitness. “I am always injured,” he said. “I really tried hard, but I have to work on my injury (staying injury-free) and technique.”

Despite the setback, Chopra remains determined to improve and regain his status as the world’s top javelin thrower. He has already announced his participation in the Lausanne Diamond League, which begins on August 22.

Chopra’s silver medal is a reminder that even the greatest athletes can face setbacks. However, his determination to overcome adversity and return to the top is a testament to his resilience and unwavering spirit.

Chopra Confident in Nadeem Rivalry, Aims to Break Olympic Record

Chopra Confident in Nadeem Rivalry, Aims to Break Olympic Record

Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic silver medalist in javelin throw, expressed his confidence in competing against Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem and his belief that he could have broken the gold medalist’s Olympic record.

Chopra, who entered the final as the favorite with an impressive 89.34m in the qualifying round, threw the javelin to 89.45m, his second-best effort ever, surpassing the 87.58m that earned him gold in Tokyo.

However, it was not enough to overcome Nadeem, who set a new Olympic record with a massive 92.97m throw. “Nadeem is a very hardworking player, and competing against him is always positive,” Chopra said. “I was confident that we would have a good fight. After he set the Olympic record in his second attempt, it put pressure on everyone, but I was sure I could break it after my second attempt, which was close to 90. But somehow, my body didn’t allow it.”

Chopra began the final with a foul on his first attempt, while Nadeem also fouled his first throw. Trinidad’s Keshorn Walcott took the early lead with an 86.16m throw, followed by Anderson Peter at 84.70m. Chopra’s only legal throw of the night, 89.45m, came on his second attempt.

Despite not winning gold, Chopra made history by becoming the second Indian male and third overall to win back-to-back Olympic medals. He joins wrestler Sushil Kumar, who won bronze and silver in 2008 and 2012, and PV Sindhu, who won silver in 2016 and bronze in 2020.

“It’s never easy to perform in the Olympics, especially when you’re defending your medal,” Chopra said. “I knew I could break the Olympic record after my second throw, but I wasn’t able to. I’m happy to have won a silver medal for the country. I’ll work on the things I need to recover well.”

Chopra, who is training in Switzerland with his coach and physio, announced his participation in the Lausanne Diamond League, which begins on August 22.

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