Athletes continue to shine: India celebrates Sumit Antil’s Paralympics gold

Adding another medal to India tally at Tokyo Paralympics, Sumit Antil won a gold in javelin throw on Monday.

With a best throw of 68.55, Antil not only broke the world record thrice in one night but also gave India its second gold medal of the Games. On Monday morning, shooter Avani Lekhara scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold at the Games.

Following Avani’s win, two-time gold-winning javelin throw veteran Devendra Jhajharia clinched a third Paralympic medal, a silver this time, while discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya also finished second as India surpassed its best ever medal tally at the Games.

Soon after Antil’s historic win, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and congratulated him. The PM wrote, “Our athletes continue to shine at the #Paralympics! The nation is proud of Sumit Antil’s record-breaking performance in the Paralympics.

Congratulations Sumit for winning the prestigious Gold medal. Wishing you all the best for the future.”

India’s sports minister Anurag Thakur also congratulated him. He wrote, “The World Record has been broken ! India has won another GOLD? MEDAL ! Sumit Antil congratulations on a splendid ? at #Tokyo2020 #Paralympics Incredible throw, Inspirational feat !”

Union Minister Smriti Irani wrote, “Day just keeps getting better for India at #Tokyo2020 #Paralympics. Congratulations to Sumit Antil for winning First place medal and creating a world record in Javelin throw. A joyous Nation celebrates your stupendous achievement. Keep shining!”

Wrester Bajran Punia, who won a bronze at Tokyo Olympics, took to Twitter to wish Antil. He wrote, “Congratulations Sumit Antil is golden moment k lie. #Paralympics #GoldMedal”.

Gold medallist Neeraj Chopra wrote how proud he was of Antil’s achievement. “ख़तरनाक performance भाई सुमित. proud of you.”

With this, India recorded their best-ever medal tally in the Games, four more than the Rio edition.

On Sunday, table tennis player Bhavina Patel opened India’s medal tally with her silver medal. She became the first India to win a medal in table tennis at Paralympics. Nishad Kumar also won a silver in high jump on Sunday.