Indian javelin thrower Sumit Antil, who clinched gold at the Tokyo Paralympics, is determined to break his own world record as he aims to defend his title in the Men’s F64 category at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Antil, along with shot put athlete Bhagyashree Jadhav (competing in the F34 category), will carry India’s flag during the opening ceremony of the Games, scheduled from August 28 to September 8, 2024.
Sumit made history at the Tokyo Paralympics by setting a world record three times in the same event, ultimately winning gold with a throw of 68.55 meters. He later shattered his own record with a throw of 70.83 meters at the 2023 Para World Championships, and then further extended it to 73.29 meters to secure gold at the 2023 Hangzhou Para Asian Games. Speaking to PTI, the Indian star said that he plans to win gold at the Paralympics with an effort of 75 m, which will break his current world record.
Sumit also said that he had been working hard on increasing his strength without changing the technique.
“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,” said Sumit.
No pressure
When asked if he was feeling the pressure of being India’s flagbearer and the defending champion, Sumit said he wasn’t feeling any at the moment and will try to give his best during the games.
“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.
The Indian javelin thrower also said he is aiming to enjoy the moment of being the flagbearer as it would be the first time he would be part of the opening ceremony having missed the one in Tokyo.
“I want to enjoy this moment. For the first time, such a large and strong contingent from India is going to the Paralympics and I feel proud to be the flag-bearer,” said Sumit.
“Being the flag-bearer is a different kind of emotion. This is the first time I will be a part of the opening ceremony at the Paralympics.”
“At the time of the Tokyo Paralympics, there were a lot of restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I had reached late as per the the schedule of my competition.”
Sumit will enter the games as one of India’s medal hopefuls with the Indian contingent having84 athletes across 12 disciplines.
