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Published 07:54 IST, September 5th 2024

‘Have Lived the Dream Twice’: Sumit Antil Expresses Joy on Successfully Defending Paralympic Gold

Paralympic gold medallist Sumit Antil revealed that he was honoured with a gold medal finish for the second time in a row in Paris.

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Sumit Antil wins Gold medal
Sumit Antil wins Gold medal | Image: @India_AllSports

The Paralympics have been nothing less than successful for Team India, as they amassed tremendous success throughout the games. Para-javelin star Sumit Antil was the highlight for the country after the superstar athlete successfully defended his gold medal, which he won at the Tokyo Games. Not only did he defend his crown, but broke his Paralympic recordduring the Men's javelin Final. Antil expressed his jubilation after he won the gold and set records at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Also Read: Neeraj Chopra's 'don't try anything new' message worked wonders for Paralympics star Sumit Antil

Sumit Antil Expresses Joy on Successful Paralympic Gold Defense, Says Breaking Record Was Like a Crowning Achievement

While speaking to ANI, Paralympic gold medalist Sumit Antil revealed that he is honoured with the podium finish for the second time in a row. The Para-Javelin star added that breaking the Paralympic record was like a crowning achievement as he expressed it as a 'cherry on top' moment for him.

"I am feeling very proud to have won the gold medal for the second time. The Paralympic record is an icing on the cake. I have lived the same dream twice. It is the best feeling to have won the gold. You feel at the top of the world," Sumit Antil said.

Also Read: PM Modi Pens Heartfelt Note For Sumit Antil After Star Athlete Breaks Paralympics Record Twice

The Paris Paralympics gold medalist also revealed that a night before the final event, he along with some other athletes were together and could not sleep due to the pressure. But PCI president Devendra Jhajaria saw them and down to motivate them, which was a feel-good moment for Sumit Antil.

"We were having food and were chilling outside. I knew we would not be able to sleep. It is very normal since you face competition pressure. Jhajaria sir [Paralympic Committee of India President Devendra Jhajaria] was watching us from above. He was able to understand what we were going through and came down to motivate us, it was good," Sumit added.

On his outing at the Paralympics, Antil agreed that he was aiming for 74-75 metres and said he could have performed better. But he is happy with the gold medal finish. Sumit also opened up on PM Modi calling the para athletes and thanked the Government of India for their support towards them.

Updated 07:54 IST, September 5th 2024