India’s Sumit Antil won gold in men’s javelin (F64) at the Tokyo Paralympics with a brand new record throw of 68.55m. Sumit Antil smashed the globe record not once, not twice but thrice during the ultimate in Tokyo. He threw 66.95 in his first try to set the new record, before bettering it together with his second throw. Then in his fifth attempt, he again set a replacement record with a throw of 68.55m. Fellow Indian Sandeep Chaudhary finished fourth within the event, with a best throw of 62.20m.
Australia’s Michal Burian won the silver, with a best attempt of 66.29m, while Sri Lanka’s Dulan Kodithuwakku took home the medal.
Antil lay down the marker together with his very first throw, which put him within the lead and also broke the prevailing record within the category – also set by him.
He then set the globe record again together with his second attempt of 68.08m.
His third and fourth attempts were 65.27 and 66.71 respectively, but he looked as if it would have already sealed the trophy, with none of his competitors really threatening his position.
Then, within the fifth attempt, he threw 68.55m to form the globe record for the third time within the day and ensure India’s second laurel wreath at the continuing Tokyo Paralympics.
Shooter Avani Lekhara earlier made history as she became the primary Indian woman to win gold at the Paralympics.
It was a decent day in javelin throw for India, with Devendra Jhajharia winning silver and Sundar Singh Gurjar bringing home the bronze within the men’s javelin (F46) final earlier on Monday.
With seven medals already, India has already registered its best ever haul at the Paralympic Games.
