World Record Holder Sumit Antil Urges India to 'Expect Good Result' at Paris Paralympics

As the Paris 2024 Paralympics approach, Sumit Antil, often hailed as the "Neeraj Chopra of para javelin," is gearing up to defend his title. Born on June 7, 1998, in Khewra, Sonipat, Haryana, Sumit has risen to become one of the most prominent figures in para-athletics.

After a tragic accident at the age of 17 resulted in the amputation of his left leg, Sumit redirected his dreams towards the javelin throw, a sport where he has since made history. Sumit spoke to myKhel in an exclusive interview before departing for Paris.

Before getting into the interview, let's understand how his achievement in para-sports is unparalleled. Sumit’s accolades include gold medals in the men's javelin throw F64 category at the 2020 Summer Paralympics, the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships, and the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, where he set the current world record of 73.29 meters.

His journey to the top has been supported by significant financial backing from the Indian Government, receiving Rs 58.97 lakh during the Paris Paralympics cycle (2021-24) through the ACTC and TOPS schemes, in addition to over Rs 30 lakh during the Tokyo Paralympics cycle.

As he prepares to compete in Paris later this month, Sumit shares his insights on his journey, the preparations for the Paralympics, and his aspirations for the future in this exclusive interview.

MyKhel: How do you feel about being chosen as the Indian Paralympic contingent's flagbearer?

Sumit Antil: Becoming the flagbearer of such an accomplished contingent is a very nice feeling. I will try my best to return with a gold medal. But to become a flagbearer before the actual competition is a very proud feeling, and I am very happy about that.

MK: How has your preparation for the Paris 2024 Paralympics been?

Sumit Antil: Preparation has been very good for the Paris Paralympics, and I have worked really hard. I haven’t changed much from what I used to do last time. The entire credit for this goes to my team, who have been working round the clock to keep my body in the best possible condition. I am confident and have high hopes that everyone will see the good result of the hard work put in at the Paralympic Games.

MK: How does government recognition, like the awards you've received, motivate you?

Sumit Antil: For any athlete, motivation is a must for peak performance. The Government bestowed me with the Khel Ratna and Padma Shri awards, and whenever I see them kept at my home, it gives me a lot of motivation. I would like to thank the Government from the bottom of my heart for honouring me with these awards.

MK: How has your game evolved since the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics?

Sumit Antil: To tell you the truth, I have become a lot more consistent than when I competed in the Tokyo Paralympics. This is because the expectations from everyone have increased multi-fold since my gold in Tokyo. Before that, not many people knew about me. I have also become more disciplined than last time, and it is reflecting in the way I am performing in back-to-back events. The preparation this time has been brilliant, and the team has very high expectations from me.

MK: What is your ultimate target in javelin throw?

Sumit Antil: My ultimate target is to throw the javelin in excess of 80 meters and see how it feels when you throw it that distance. But that is a long-term target; I want to achieve it in my lifetime. The short-term target is to defend my gold medal at the Paris Paralympics.

MK: How do you handle the pressure of expectations?

Sumit Antil: I have never felt the pressure, ever. In fact, the most pressure I felt was during the Tokyo Paralympics. Even when I felt a little bit of it, my team was there to help me cope with it. They used to talk it out before any competition, and the way they supported me, all pressure vanished. In case I had a bad day on the field, the way they prepared my schedule, that is a very different thing in my team, and the performance I have delivered after that—the credit goes to my team.

MK: What are your thoughts on the support for para-athletes through the Khelo India scheme?

Sumit Antil: These schemes are very important, and I would like to thank the Government for launching the Khelo India Para Games last year. Many athletes in the Paralympics contingent have come through Khelo India. Athletes are getting direct benefits from these schemes. The intent is to bring raw talent to the fore and give a better shape to their careers. So, this is a remarkable step taken by the Government.

MK: What message do you have for the next generation?

Sumit Antil: In whichever field you are, please give your 100 per cent—whether you are in sport, studies, or the technology field. Keep working hard, and hard work never goes in vain. I am sure you will find success if you have given 100 per cent to something.