Sumit Antil Indian Javelin thrower in the Paralympics 2024 won a gold medal with a 70.59-meter throw that broke his record. In 2020 Sumit hit 68.55 meters in the Tokyo Paralympics. However, the 26-year-old athlete faced tough choices while preparing for the Paralympics. He gave up his favorite sweets to avoid rapid weight gain. He also suffered from a back injury that troubled him before the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou last year.
Preparation for Paralympics 2024
Antil followed the advice of his physio, followed a strict training regime, and put off around 12 kilograms within two months. The hard work and sacrifices put in by Antil paid off on Monday he became the first male from India and the second Indian to secure a Paralympics title, and win gold in the F64 category.
Antil said, “I’ve reduced around 10-12 kilos. My physio, Vipin Bhai, told me that the weight was putting pressure on my spine. So, I cut out sweets, which are my favourite, and focused on eating right”.
He added that he was not at his 100 per cent performance. He used to take a painkiller before a throw, and during training. He mentioned that after returning to India his priority is to fix his back as rest is crucial with this type of Injury.
Satya Prakash Sangwan, Vice President at the Paralympic Committee of India, also the chef de mission for the Indian squad here, stated that he has seen hard work of Antil and his humbleness from the beginning. He knew that Antil would make history as athletes like him are rare.
Antil’s journey is incredibly inspiring. He always aspired to become a wrestler. However, his life changed after a tragic accident. Instead of giving up, he embraced a new path in para-sports, demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability. Discovering javelin and dedicating himself to it, despite the hurdles of training with a prosthetic leg, showcases his determination and spirit. With the support of coach Naval Singh and his own relentless effort, Sumit Antil’s transformation into a champion highlights his extraordinary strength and perseverance.