Tokyo Paralympics 2020: Sumit Antil wins second Gold for India, set World Record in javelin
Tokyo: Sumit Antil won Gold (Sport Class F64) in the men's javelin throw final event with a World Record throw of 68.55m at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics on Monday.
Sumit bettered the previous world record of 62.88m set by him five times on the final event today. His last throw was a foul. His attempts read 66.95, 68.08, 65.27, 66.71, 68.55 and foul. Sumit took up Para athletics in 2018 following encouragement from another Para-athlete in his village.
Read: Tokyo Paralympics 2020: Devendra Jhajharia wins Silver, Sundar takes Bronze in javelin throw
Australian Michal Burian (66.29m) and Dulan Kodithuwakku of Srilanka won the Bronze (65.61m), bagged the Silver and Bronze, respectively.
The Sport Class F64 category is for athletes with a leg amputation, who compete with prosthetics in a standing position.
President Ramnath Kovind, in a tweet said, "Sumit Antil's historic performance in javelin throw at the #Paralympics is a moment of great pride for the country. Congratulations on winning the gold and setting a new world record. Every Indian is elated to hear the national anthem at the podium. You're a true champion!".
Earlier, para-shooter Avani Lekhara won a gold medal in 10m Air rifle standing at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Lekhara is currently World No 5 in Women’s 10m Air Rifle standing SH1 and has competed in the 2018 Asian Para Games. Avani is India’s first woman to win a gold medal at the Olympics or Paralympics and with a world record.
