India’s Sumit Antil etched his name into Paralympic history on Monday by becoming the first para-athlete to secure gold medals in consecutive Paralympic Games. Antil triumphed in the Men’s Javelin Throw F64 at the Stade de France, shattering the existing Paralympic Record with a stellar performance.
Antil, who claimed gold at the Tokyo Paralympics, dominated the event from his first throw and maintained his lead throughout. His opening throw of 69.11 meters not only set a new Paralympic Record but also surpassed his previous best of 68.55 meters achieved in Tokyo. He further cemented his victory with a second throw of 70.59 meters, ensuring that his gold medal was secure.
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This latest triumph brings India’s total to three gold medals at the Paris Paralympic Games, following Avani Lekhara’s win in Women’s 10m Air Rifle SH1 and Nitesh Kumar’s victory in Men’s Singles SL3 badminton. With a total of 14 medals—three gold, five silver, and six bronze—India currently stands 14th in the overall medals table.
Antil, who holds the World Record of 73.29 meters, had additional throws of 66.66, a foul, 69.04, and 66.57 meters. His closest competitors were Sri Lanka’s Dulan Kodithuwakku, who earned silver with a throw of 67.03 meters, and Australia’s Burian Michael, who took bronze with a best effort of 64.89 meters. India’s Sandeep Chaudhary finished fourth with a season’s best throw of 62.80 meters.
At 29 years old, Antil, from Sonipat, Haryana, has now won World Championship gold in 2023 and again in 2024, making him only the second Indian—after Devendra Jhajharia—to achieve two gold medals in track and field at the Paralympics.
