Sumit Antil, who has participated in able-bodied events including the Indian Grand Prix, said his goal is to qualify for both the Paralympic Games and the Olympics in 2024 and he will begin his training once he returns to India. Indian javelin thrower Sumit Antel now wants to compete against able-bodied athletes at the Paris Olympics three years from now. The 23-year-old from Sonipat shown his impressive performance on Monday when he broke his own world record not once but five times to take gold in the men's F64 javelin with a throw of 68.55 meters. Antel, who has participated in able-bodied events including the Indian Grand Prix, said his goal is to qualify for both the Paralympic Games and the Olympics in 2024 and will begin his training once he returns to the country. During my training, I have been touching the 70m-mark. And I dream of throwing between 75 to 80m and that should be enough to compete amongst the able-bodied athletes. “I wish to take part in both the Olympics and Paralympics. That’s my dream,” Antil, who lost his left leg below the knee after he was involved in a motorbike accident in 2015, said in a release issued by Paralympic Committee of India (PCI). “Once I return from Tokyo, I will be training for that for sure,” he added. If Sumit is allowed to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, he will compete against countryman Neeraj Chopra, who recently won gold medal in men's javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics. Interestingly, as the son of a JWO officer in the Indian Army, Antel competed against Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra in the able-bodied 3rd series of the Indian Grand Prix on March 5 at Patiala, where he finished seventh with a best throw of 66.43 meters. On Tuesday, Antel broke the previous world record of 62.88 meters, which is also set by him, five times a day. His last throw was a foul. His series read 66.95, 68.08, 65.27, 66.71, 68.55 and foul.Also Read- Shooter Avani Lekhara First Indian Woman To Win Gold At Paralympics"At the 2019 World Para-Athletics Championships, I settled for silver. I always wanted to win the gold medal," said Antel, who was inspired by Neeraj Chopra medal show. "My coach told me to be aggressive at the Paralympic Games. I'm glad I was able to finally come out with a good performance and inspire the upcoming generation." It was very hot and humid that day in Tokyo, but Antil never looked bothered. "During the pandemic, I got special permission from the Sports Authority of India to train at home. I was prepared for all conditions - hot and humid. I trained late at night and this paid off well," said Antel, who hails from Sonepat. The Haryana athlete now hopes that Paralympic gold will give him a job once he returns to India. "Currently, I am unemployed and I am doing full-time training but I hope to get a job after this. Let's see what happens when I return to India," he signed off.Also Read- US Open 2021: Naomi Osaka kicks off title defence with straight sets win over Marie Bouzkova
The Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics will be the largest event ever arranged in France. The Olympics are scheduled for 26 July to 11 August 2024, during which Paris will be at the heart of the global spotlight, not just in sports, but also in other aspects. The Games, embraced by people worldwide, are a beloved multicultural event that offers France a unique and unprecedented experience.OLYMPIC GAMES IN A FEW FIGURESBillions of television viewers worldwide350,000 hours of TV broadcastMillions of spectators35 venues10,500 athletes20,000 accredited journalists45,000 volunteers+600,000 meals served at the Athletes’ Village every dayPARIS 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES KEY FIGURESThe XXXIII Olympiad26 July to 11 August 202419 days of competition (handball, football and rugby take place from 24 July)329 eventsAthletes from over 200 NOCs and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team32 sports (including the 4 additional sports)754 sessions (competitions and ceremonies)10,500 athletesWANT TO LEARN MORE?Additional sportsParis 2024 has utilized the chance given by the IOC through the Olympic Agenda 2020 to suggest more sports to improve its program and overall idea. The IOC is eager to establish a fresh guideline for Games that are inclusive, gender-balanced, and focused on youth. Paris 2024 presented its plan to the IOC to include four extra sports linked to youth and celebrating both creativity and athletic achievement. Sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing are all set to make their Olympic debut, breaking into the world of the Games. All four are simple to adopt and members create highly engaged communities on social platforms.Leaving a legacyHosting the largest event globally will inevitably bring about changes to our country. Paris 2024 aims for sport values to integrate into everyday life and demonstrate that we can reach excellence while promoting sustainability.Our venue conceptDue to its unique characteristics, Paris is set to offer a full spectacle during the Games, catering to athletes, spectators, and TV viewers.Paris's famous landmarks are being turned into sports venues to give spectators a unique experience and serve as a remarkable setting for athletic talent. This special idea shapes our blueprint for the 35 locations.The Games championed by athletesParis 2024 aims to host a event that is planned by and for the athletes. We have established the Athletes' Commission in order to provide them with a platform to speak out. Each Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee has one, but Paris 2024 has chosen to expand its focus.Also Read: Check out five significant types of swimming styles!
