New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their heartfelt congratulations to Sumit Antil, one of Indias premier javelin throwers, after his stunning gold medal win in the mens javelin throw F64 event at the Paris Paralympics. Antil, who had already clinched gold at the Tokyo Paralympics, proved his dominance yet again, breaking the Paralympic record twice to secure his place atop the podium on Monday.Early life of Sumit AntilSumit Antil, one of Indias premier javelin throwers, was born on 7 June 1998 , in Khewra village, Sonipat district, Haryana. His journey to becoming a world-class athlete is one marked by determination, resilience, and an indomitable spirit that overcame numerous challenges. Sumit was raised in a modest family and showed an early interest in sports. Growing up, he was an all-rounder, excelling in various sports, particularly wrestling, a popular sport in his region. His father, who served in the Indian Army, was a significant influence in his life, instilling in him the values of discipline and hard work.At the age of 17, Sumits life took a dramatic turn. In 2015, he met with a tragic motorcycle accident that led to the amputation of his left leg.Ranks and achievementsSumits dedication and hard work paid off when he won his first international medal at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in 2019. His success continued, and in 2021, he made history by winning the gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics, setting a new world record in the process.Antils triumphPresident Murmu praised Sumit for his consecutive Paralympic golds and record-setting achievements. I convey my heartiest congratulations to Sumit Antil on winning the gold medal in the mens javelin throw event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. His outstanding achievements will inspire countless people, especially the youth, she posted on X.I convey my heartiest congratulations to Sumit Antil on winning gold medal in mens javelin throw event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. With his two successive paralympics gold medals and record setting performances, Sumit has gained a special standing among the champions. His…— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 2, 2024Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lauded Sumits exceptional performance, tweeting, Exceptional performance by Sumit! Congratulations to him for winning the Gold in the Mens Javelin F64 event!Exceptional performance by Sumit! Congratulations to him for winning the Gold in the Mens Javelin F64 event! He has shown outstanding consistency and excellence. Best wishes for his upcoming endeavours. @sumit_javelin#Cheer4Bharat pic.twitter.com/1c8nBAwl4q— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 2, 2024Indias representation in OlympicsPresident Murmu also congratulated para-shuttler Suhas Yathiraj, who secured a silver medal in badminton, and shuttler Nitesh Kumar, who won gold in the mens singles SL3 category. As of now, Indias total medal tally stands at 15, including three golds, five silvers, and seven bronzes.
