New Delhi, June 6: “Keep the arrow of effort alive in the quiver of determination. You may lose everything in life, but keep the hope of winning again alive.” These lines perfectly encapsulate the journey of India’s star para javelin thrower, Sumit Antil. Losing his father at just seven years old, Sumit’s life took a dramatic turn after a tragic accident. However, through sheer willpower and relentless hard work, he made history by winning gold medals at two consecutive Paralympic Games.
Born on June 7, 1998, in the village of Khewda in Haryana’s Sonipat district, Sumit faced immense challenges early in life. After the loss of his father, his mother worked tirelessly to raise her four children.
Academically gifted, Sumit’s life took a drastic turn during his 12th grade when he was involved in a severe motorcycle accident while returning home from tuition. This incident resulted in the loss of one of his legs, plunging him into despair.
A chance meeting with a para-athlete from his village changed his perspective. Inspired, he decided to pursue a career in sports, choosing javelin throw as his discipline. Gradually, he began to carve out a niche for himself in this field.
At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Sumit achieved a remarkable throw of 68.55 meters, securing a gold medal. This accomplishment gave new direction to his life and recognition for years of struggle.
In 2022, he added another gold medal to his collection at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games. His stellar performance continued at the World Para Athletics Championships in 2023 and 2024, where he consistently ranked at the top.
In 2024, at the Paris Paralympics, Sumit set a record with a throw of 70.59 meters. Along with winning the gold medal, he became the athlete with the best throw in Paralympic history. With this achievement, Sumit made history by winning gold medals in two consecutive Paralympics.
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