Just as Neeraj Chopra ignited a javelin revolution in India, Sumit Antil has spearheaded a similar transformation in para athletics. This two-time reigning World and Paralympic champion, who also holds the F64 category world record, has consistently redefined what’s possible since his international debut, continually elevating the standards for both para javelin and himself.
As the 27-year-old prepares for his fourth World Para Athletics Championships at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, 2025, his sights are set on an unprecedented achievement: surpassing the 75-meter barrier. This would be a historic feat, as no para javelin thrower has ever reached such a distance. It’s worth remembering that before Antil’s remarkable 2023 performance, even the 70-meter mark seemed unattainable.
“My primary goal for the World Championships is to push past my current world record of 73.29 meters and achieve the 75-meter mark,” Antil stated the day before his event. “The opportunity to compete on such a grand stage in my home country is rare, and I’m determined to perform my absolute best. However, success on the day will depend on various factors, including environmental conditions. I had aimed for this at the Paris Paralympics last year, but adverse weather and track issues unfortunately hindered my efforts.”
These ambitious goals are, in fact, the sole source of true excitement for Antil, who has consistently outshone his rivals. His dominance is such that, if individual throws at the Paris Paralympics were awarded medals, he would have claimed every spot on the podium. Now, with the F64 category—designed for athletes with moderately impaired lower leg movement or limb absence below the knee—separated from the F44 category (for those with moderate movement limitations in one lower leg), Antil acknowledges that his direct competition has become even less.
“Most of my strongest challengers are typically in the F44 category, but with them competing separately this time, the F64 category offers very little direct competition,” Antil, who trains at the Sports Authority of India’s Sonipat center, openly admitted. “I anticipate a significant gap in performance levels. Frankly, finding the motivation to compete is becoming a challenge. The only way I’ll truly feel excited is if I can break my own record.”
Since the Paris Games, Antil has faced a personal struggle: a decline in motivation fueled by a quest for greater purpose and more challenging objectives. While this hasn’t significantly impacted his performance, it has dampened his intrinsic drive to continue competing.
“To be completely honest, it’s incredibly difficult to maintain the drive and push yourself to improve when there’s no real competition or worthy challenger nearby,” he explained. “Subconsciously, you know victory might come too easily. For any athlete, constantly pushing boundaries is vital, and for that, strong competition is absolutely essential.”
“That’s precisely why I’m striving to challenge myself against able-bodied athletes,” Antil revealed. “While I frequently train with them, my plan is to compete more often in open categories starting next year. I recognize I have considerable work ahead of me, needing to add at least 5-7 meters to my current throws to approach the 80-meter mark – the absolute minimum to truly hold my own among top able-bodied throwers.”
For many, this ambition might sound incredible. Yet, it’s a testament to Antil’s remarkable journey that his achievements over the past five years were once considered equally fantastic dreams. “When I began, no one imagined a para athlete could ever reach 70 meters,” he mused. “Now, I’m aiming even higher. If I can hit 80 meters someday, that would be an incredible legacy. It’s truly a never-ending pursuit of self-improvement.”
For now, Antil is particularly eager to deliver a spectacular performance for his family, who will be watching him compete live in the stadium for the very first time. “If we are hosting such a significant event, I believe we should all strive for our best and secure as many victories as possible,” he shared. “And with my family present – they’ve never seen me compete in person before – it will be a truly special experience, very different from watching on television.”