Hyderabad: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi lauded Sumit Antil, javelin thrower for winning gold at the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics. Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter and shared a photograph of Antil. "Congratulations to Sumit Antil for the gold. The nation applauds your record-breaking grit and determination," he tweeted.
In a stunning debut performance, Antil won India's second gold at the Paralympics. He sent the spear to 68.55m in his fifth attempt, setting a new world record. He shattered the men's F64 category world record of 62.88 m also set by him. Australia's Michal Burian (66.29m) and Sri Lanka's Dulan Kodithuwakku (65.61m) won the silver and bronze respectively. The F64 category is for athletes whose legs are amputated and compete with prosthetics in a standing position.
The 23-year-old javelin thrower lost his left leg below the knee in a motorbike accident in 2015. Studying in Ramjas College, Delhi, Antil displayed exemplary performance in wrestling before his accident. He got exposure in sports through a para athelete in his village in 2018.
Also read: The nation is proud of Sumit Antil's record-breaking performance in the Paralympics, says PM Modi
