On Monday, September 2, in Paris, India’s javelin star Sumit Antil impressed once more at the Paralympics, capturing back-to-back gold medals with a spectacular display.
Entering the competition as the favorite, Sumit consistently dazzled the crowd with six remarkable throws, effortlessly breaking his personal Paralympic record twice and demonstrating his peak performance from the very start.
With a throw of 68.55 meters, Sumit had established a Paralympic record in Tokyo. With a throw of 69.11 meters on his first try, he beat that mark this time and took the lead. He subsequently extended his advantage and broke the record with a throw of 70.59 meters, raising the bar even higher. He threw for 66.66 meters on his third attempt and a foul on his fourth. With a fifth throw of 69.04 meters, he recovered and all but guaranteed victory. Dulan Kodithuwakku of Sri Lanka put up a little late resistance, but Sumit held onto his advantage and finished with a final throw of 66.57 meters.
Throws made by Sumit: 69.11, 70.59, 66.66, x, 69.04, and 66.57 meters.
Sandeep and Sanjay Sandip Sargar, two more Indian contestants, had less fortunate results in the same tournament. With a best throw of 62.80 meters on his third try, Sandeep placed fourth. Sanjay placed eighth, throwing a distance of 58.03 meters on his third try.
Throws made by Sandeep: 60.34m, x, 62.55m, 59.30m, 62.80m, and 60.00m.
The hurls of Sanjay are 54.86, 57.04, 58.03, 55.45, 57.96, and 56.30 meters.
India currently has 14 medals total—3 gold, 5 silver, and 6 bronze—after Sumit’s gold.