Shafaqna Sports: Sumit Antil, the trailblazing Indian javelin thrower, has faced a challenging journey to Paralympic success, marked by a back injury that has lingered for over a year. The 26-year-old made a significant personal sacrifice in preparation for the Paralympics—he gave up his beloved sweets to manage his weight and protect his back, which had caused him problems before the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou last year, where he won gold.
Advised by his physiotherapist, Antil shed around 12 kilograms in just two months by following a strict training regimen and cutting out sweets from his diet. His hard work and sacrifice culminated in a remarkable achievement on Monday, as he became the first Indian man and only the second Indian ever to defend a Paralympic title, winning gold in the F64 category with a record throw of 70.59 meters.
Antil’s new mark surpassed his previous Paralympic record of 68.55 meters set at the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago. He explained that losing 10-12 kilograms was crucial as the weight was putting undue pressure on his spine, forcing him to focus on proper nutrition and eliminate sweets.
After returning to India, Antil plans to prioritize rest to heal his back, which has been a persistent issue despite taking painkillers before his throws. He acknowledged that he was not at his best and has had to take extensive precautions to avoid aggravating his injury.
Antil expressed gratitude towards his coach, Arun Kumar, for his unwavering support and dedication. He described Kumar as an elder brother who meticulously plans his training and has worked tirelessly for his success. Antil also highlighted the efforts of his team and his own rigorous training regime, including CrossFit workouts and sprints.
Reflecting on the pressure and sleepless nights leading up to the competition, Antil admitted he was relieved to finally feel relaxed after his achievement. He noted that the high expectations from others had increased his nervousness, contrasting with his more relaxed experience during the Tokyo Paralympics.
Despite his success, Antil expressed disappointment that his throw fell short of his world record of 73.29 meters, attributing it to difficulties with the synthetic track surface. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic about improving in future competitions.
Satya Prakash Sangwan, vice president of the Paralympic Committee of India and chef de mission for the Indian squad, always believed in Antil’s potential to make history.