Javelin Star & Flag-Bearer Sumit Antil Sets Sights on Breaking Own World Record at 2024 Paralympics

The 2024 Paris Olympics may have ended, but the para Athletes will soon be in action, and India's representation will be stronger than ever this time. In Paris, France, India will be represented by 84 athletes who will be competing in 12 distinct disciplines. Among them is the Tokyo Paralympics medalist Sumit Antil, who made waves with his performance in the javelin throw. The star Para Athlete opened up on his preparedness for the upcoming competition.  

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Sumit Antil Has Huge Ambitions for Paris Paralympics After Record-Breaking Outings

Sumit Antil is determined to break yet another record this time after doing it in the past. This year at the Paris Paralympics, Antil will be defending his crown in the Men's F64 category, and he has been putting in the effort to enhance his strength.

"My long-term goal is to achieve a distance of 80m, but at the Paris Paralympics, I will try to win gold with an effort of 75m. My throws during practice have been quite consistent. I have worked hard on increasing my strength without changing the technique. I will try to improve my previous record.

"There is no pressure right now, but things will be known after reaching Paris. Once you reach the Games Village or the competition venue, things become a little different. I will try to give my best without taking pressure," said Sumit Antil.

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Sumit Antil made history after he set the world record three times in the same event.  At the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, Antil won the gold medal for a throw of 68.55 meters, and he went on to break his own record with a 70.83 metre throw at the 2023 Para World Championships. At the Hangzhou Para Asian Games, he broke the record yet again with his 73.29 metres.

This year, Antil has a chance to make history again. After India's second-best overall performance at the Paris Olympics with six medals, all eyes will be on the country's contingent at the 2024 Paralympics. Sumit Antil and Shot Put athlete Bhagyashree Yadav will be the flag-bearers at the opening ceremony, and the games are scheduled from August 28th to September 8th, 2024.