Sports stories are often filled with medals, trophies, and record-breaking moments. But some stories stand out because of the courage behind them. The story of Sumit Antil is one of those. Today, Sumit Antil is known as one of the greatest para javelin throwers in the world. He has won multiple Paralympic gold medals, broken world records several times, and become a symbol of determination for young athletes across India. Yet his journey began in a small village in Haryana and included a life-changing accident that completely altered his future. Here is everything you might want to know about the remarkable athlete who refused to give up on his dreams.
Who is Sumit Antil?
Sumit Antil is an Indian para athlete who competes in the javelin throw. He was born on June 7, 1998, in Khewra village in Sonipat district, Haryana. He competes in the F64 category, which includes athletes with lower-limb impairments who compete using prosthetic limbs. He is widely regarded as one of India’s most successful para athletes and has become famous for repeatedly breaking world records in javelin throw.
Early life: A village boy with big dreams
Growing up in Haryana, Sumit Antil loved sports from a young age. Wrestling was his first passion, and he dreamed of becoming a wrestler and joining the Indian Army one day. His childhood was not always easy. His father, Ram Kumar Antil, who served in the Indian Air Force, passed away when Sumit was only seven years old. His mother, Nirmala Devi, played a major role in encouraging and supporting him as he grew older. Like many children in Haryana, Sumit spent hours training and dreaming about a future in sports.
The accident that changed everything
In 2015, when Sumit was 17 years old, a speeding truck hit his motorcycle while he was returning home from tuition classes. The accident was extremely serious, and doctors had to amputate his left leg below the knee. Suddenly, the wrestling career he had imagined seemed impossible. For many people, such a moment could have ended their sporting journey. For Sumit Antil, it became the beginning of a completely new one.
Sumit Antil discovered para athletics
After the accident, Sumit continued his education and later studied at University of Delhi’s Ramjas College. During this period, he met para athlete Rajkumar, who introduced him to para sports. At first, Sumit explored different events before eventually finding his true strength in javelin throw.
In 2017, he began serious training and worked hard to master the technical skills needed for the sport. His progress was so rapid that coaches and experts quickly realised they were seeing a special talent.
The rise of a record breaker
Sumit Antil’s international breakthrough came in 2019. At the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Italy and later at the World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai, he won medals and broke world records in the F64 category. His performances announced his arrival on the global stage. What made Sumit’s rise even more impressive was how quickly he improved. Within just a few years of taking up para athletics, he was competing against the world’s best athletes.
Tokyo Paralympics: Sumit Antil and his golden moment
The biggest moment of Sumit’s career came at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo. Competing in the men’s F64 javelin final, he produced one of the most memorable performances in Paralympic history. During the competition, he broke the world record three times and finally threw the javelin 68.55 metres to win the gold medal. His achievement made headlines around the world and gave India one of its greatest Paralympic moments. For millions of viewers, it was the first time they had seen a para athlete dominate an event so completely.
Creating history again in Paris
Many athletes struggle to repeat success after becoming champions. Sumit Antil did the opposite. At the 2024 Summer Paralympics, he successfully defended his title and won another gold medal in the F64 javelin event. He also set a new Paralympic record with a throw of 70.59 metres. This made him the first Indian man to win back-to-back Paralympic gold medals.
Sumit Antil keeps breaking his own records
Even after becoming a two-time Paralympic champion, Sumit Antil continues to push the limits of para athletics. On May 27, 2026, at the Indian Open Para Athletics International Championships 2026, he broke his own F64 javelin world record with a huge throw of 74.82 metres. The mark bettered his previous world record of 73.29 metres and further strengthened his position as the world’s leading para javelin thrower.
Read about: Sumit Antil Breaks Paralympic Record; Wins Gold
Major achievements and records by Sumit Antil
Paralympic Games
- Gold medal, Tokyo 2020 Paralymics (F64 javelin throw)
- Gold medal, Paris 2024 Paralympics (F64 javelin throw)
- First Indian man to win back-to-back Paralympic gold medals
World Championships
- Silver medal, 2019 World Para Athletics Championships, Dubai
- Gold medal, 2023 World Para Athletics Championships, Paris
- Gold medal, 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, New Delhi
World records
- Broke the F64 javelin world record three times in a single final at the Tokyo Paralympics
- Set a world record of 73.29m at the 2022 Asian Para Games
- Broke his own world record with a throw of 74.82m at the Indian Open Para Athletics International Championships in Bengaluru in May 2026
- One of the few para athletes in the world to repeatedly break his own world record
Asian Para Games
- Gold medal, Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2022 (held in 2023)
- Set a world-record throw of 73.29m during the competition
National honours
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2021)
- Padma Shri (2022)
Other notable achievements
- Former wrestler who successfully transitioned to para athletics after a life-changing accident
- One of India’s most successful para athletes of all time
- Widely regarded as one of the greatest F64 javelin throwers in Paralympic history
Fun facts about Sumit Antil
- He originally wanted to become a wrestler before switching to javelin throw.
- He broke the world record three times in a single Paralympic final in Tokyo.
- He comes from Khewra village in Haryana.
- He is one of India’s most successful para athletes of all time.
- He has won both Paralympic and World Championship titles
From a young wrestler dreaming of joining the Army to becoming a two-time Paralympic champion, Sumit Antil’s journey is one of resilience, hard work, and belief. Every throw he makes tells a story of determination. His achievements have not only brought glory to India but have also helped millions see the power of para sports in a new way.
FAQs about Sumit Antil
Who is Sumit Antil?
Sumit Antil is an Indian para javelin thrower and multiple Paralympic gold medallist who competes in the F64 category.
Why is Sumit Antil famous?
He is famous for winning Paralympic gold medals, breaking world records, and becoming one of India’s greatest para athletes.
What happened to Sumit Antil’s leg?
He lost his left leg below the knee after a road accident in 2015 when a truck hit his motorcycle.
Which sport does Sumit Antil play?
He competes in para athletics, specifically the javelin throw event.
How many Paralympic gold medals has Sumit Antil won?
He has won two Paralympic gold medals, at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
What is Sumit Antil’s world record?
One of his most famous records is the 73.29m throw that became a world record in the F64 category.
Where is Sumit Antil from?
He is from Khewra village in Sonipat district, Haryana, India.
What awards has Sumit Antil received?
He has received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and the Padma Shri, among other honours.
Also check out: All About Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Early Life, Cricket Career & Records
Subscribe to The Junior Age Newspaper – click here. Know more fun facts on The Junior Age’s YouTube!