At the Tokyo Paralympics, Sumit Antil of India won gold in the men’s javelin (F64) event, setting a new world record with a throw of 68.55 metres. Sumit Antil holds the international title not once, not twice, but 3 times during the final in Tokyo on Monday. He threw a 66.95 on his first attempt to set the new world record, but he improved to a 66.96 on his second try. He then smashed the world record for the fifth time with a throw of 68.55 meters in his fifth try. Another Indian, Sandeep Chaudhary, came fourth in the competition with a top throw of 62.20 metres.
With a best attempt of 66.29 metres, Michal Burian of Australia took silver, while Dulan Kodithuwakku of Sri Lanka took bronze. Antil set the world record in the F64 category with his first throw, placing him in first place and shattering the past world record, which he also set.
With a throw of 68.08 metres in his second attempt, he shattered the world record.
His third and fourth attempts were 65.27 and 66.71, respectively, but he seemed to have already secured gold, with none of his competitors presenting a significant danger.
Then, on his fifth try, he threw 68.55m to win India’s second gold medal of the day and set a world record for the third time that day.
Avani Lekhara, a shooter, made news when she became the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold medal.
In the men’s javelin (F46) final, Devendra Jhajharia claimed silver and Sundar Singh Gurjar took bronze, giving India a strong showing.
