WATCH: Sumit Antil's record breaking gold medal win at Paris Paralympics

Sumit Antil has once again scripted history by securing a gold medal at the Paris Paralympics, defending his title in the F64 javelin throw category. Antil, who previously set the record at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, shattered his benchmark with a stunning throw of 69.04 meters on his very first attempt. 

However, it was his second throw that truly stole the show, reaching an impressive 70.59 meters, setting a new Paralympics record and solidifying his dominance in the event. Antil's remarkable performance was further underscored by another strong throw of 69.04 meters in his fifth attempt, marking his best series in the competition.

Here is the video:

𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐭!



Congratulations to Sumit Antil on breaking all records and winning the 🥇in the Men's Javelin F64 event at #Paralympics2024. Your back-to-back gold-winning performance has inspired and made every Indian proud. @sumit_javelin… pic.twitter.com/x9PIQYsj6v

— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) September 3, 2024

This victory places Antil in an elite group of Indian Paralympians. He becomes the second Indian, after shooter Avani Lekhara, to defend a Paralympic title. Lekhara had previously won gold in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event in both Tokyo and Paris. Additionally, Antil joins a prestigious trio of Indian athletes who have won two Paralympic gold medals.

Alongside Lekhara, the third member of this exclusive club is Devendra Jhajharia, the current President of the Paralympic Committee of India, who secured gold in the javelin throw F46 category at both the 2004 Athens and 2016 Rio Games.

How Antli became a Paralympian?

Antil's journey to this moment has been extraordinary. Originally a wrestler, his life took a drastic turn in 2015 when a motorbike accident led to the amputation of his left leg below the knee. Despite this setback, Antil found a new path in para-athletics, inspired by a fellow para-athlete from his village.

His determination and talent quickly became evident, leading him to compete in various international events, including the World Para Athletics Championships, where he secured gold in both 2023 and 2024, as well as at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China.

At the Paris Paralympics, Antil’s exceptional throw of 70.59 meters not only earned him the gold but also left his competitors trailing. Sri Lanka’s Dulan Kodithuwakku, the World Record holder in the F44 category, claimed silver with a throw of 67.03 meters, while Australia's Michal Burian took home the bronze with a season-best effort of 64.89 meters. Meanwhile, the other two Indian competitors in the event, Sandeep and Sandip Sargar, finished fourth and seventh, respectively, with throws of 62.80 meters and 58.03 meters.