World Para Athletics Championships: Sumit Antil clinches gold, just shy of world record

World Para Athletics Championships: Sumit Antil clinches gold, narrowly misses world record

Delhi: India’s javelin ace Sumit Antil won gold in the F64 category at the World Para Athletics Championships on Tuesday, September 30, narrowly missing his own world record. Competing at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in front of Neeraj Chopra, Antil threw 71.37m in his third attempt, setting a new championship record.

The 27-year-old, aiming to break his 73.29m world record and reach 75m, was impacted by weather conditions. He opened with 65.59m, followed by a foul second attempt, then 65.36m in his third. His fourth throw of 68.4m extended his lead significantly, and his final valid attempt of 71.37m secured the gold.

Kazakhstan’s Tomas Soto won silver, while Rufat Khabibullin took bronze. India’s Pardeep Kumar finished fifth with a best of 42.72m. This marks Antil’s third world championship gold, cementing his status as one of India’s top para-athletes.