Para-Javelin Star Sumit Antil Chases 80m Dream, Tests Mettle in Open Meets

Sumit Antil, the celebrated para-javelin star, is setting his sights on new challenges, venturing into able-bodied competitions to push his limits. In an exclusive interview, the two-time Paralympic gold medalist revealed his ambition to break the coveted 80m mark and his preparations for the upcoming World Para Athletics Championships.

Sumit Antil became the first Indian man to defend his Paralympics title (Reuters Photo)

Antil's impressive career includes back-to-back Paralympic gold medals and dominance in global para-javelin circuits. However, the lack of fierce competition has led him to seek challenges in able-bodied events.

Striving for More

"I'll tell you frankly, I am a bit bored. I am not getting the push from para-javelin anymore," Antil confessed.

This pursuit of greater challenges led him to compete in the AtletiCAGeneve meet, a bronze-tier World Athletics event. This experience exposed him to new techniques and areas for improvement.

"I realised in Geneva that I was lacking in technique… I went there to learn, and I understood the deficiencies that I have and only that can help me better myself in the para-world championships," Antil explained.

His ultimate goal extends beyond winning medals; he aims to breach the 80-meter barrier, a feat yet to be achieved in para-javelin.

Inspiration and Ambition

"Competing with them was an inspiring thing for me as well, as my dream is not gold, but to throw 80m plus, which is considered as an impossible feat for any para-athlete in javelin," he stated.

Antil also encourages fellow para-athletes to participate in able-bodied competitions, citing the vastly different environments and inspirational interactions.

He elaborated on the differences: "When I play para-sports, you always meet an athlete who has been given a new lease of life. When I went to Geneva and met the able-bodied athletes, I was shocked that they knew who I was, and said that they were inspired by not only me but also by other para-athletes as well."

Future Endeavors

Antil remains focused on self-improvement, regardless of the competition type. He plans to participate in more able-bodied competitions, potentially moving up to gold-tier events and even the Diamond League.

"100 per cent I am going to do more able-bodied competitions after para-world championships... In able body competitions I am not at the top, and that fires me up in competitions," Antil affirmed.

Currently, Sumit Antil is preparing for the Para World Athletics Championships. His journey into able-bodied competitions marks a new chapter in his career and has the potential to create a lasting legacy in Indian sports.