"My Dream Is...": Record-Breaking India Paralympics Javelin Star Sumit Antil Sets 'Impossible' Goal

Indian Paralympic gold medallist Sumit Antil shared his aspirations to achieve an 80-metre mark in javelin throw within the next few years. This comes after his remarkable performance at the Paris Paralympics, where he secured his second consecutive gold medal with a record-breaking throw of 70.59 m. The Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist dominated the F64 javelin throw final in Paris this September, breaking the Paralympic record twice to claim the top spot on the podium. Antil spoke at the GoSports Foundation Annual Sports Awards Night 2024, held in Mumbai on Monday.

According to a press release, Antil remarked, "Before the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, I announced during a press conference my aim to hit the 70-metre mark. Many doubted it, saying it was impossible for a Paralympian. However, within 1.5 years, I achieved that milestone at the World Championships. Now, my dream is to reach 80 metres in the coming years."

The awards night honoured several sporting icons. Paralympic heroes Dharambir and Rakesh Kumar, table tennis star Sreeja Akula, and badminton duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty were crowned Athletes of the Year. The event celebrated the accomplishments of champions like Muhammed Anas and Nikhat Zareen, who were named 'Most Consistent Athletes of the Year'. Sumit Antil, for his stellar performance in Paris, was recognised as the Most Valuable Paralympian.

The ceremony brought together over 100 athletes, along with mentors and supporters, to celebrate achievements across multiple sporting disciplines. The evening also highlighted the collaborative efforts that propel Indian sports forward, providing corporate partners and donors an opportunity to engage with the athletes they support.

Nikhat Zareen,