Not Neeraj Chopra! Meet The World Record-Holding Javelin Thrower From India

Did you know India holds a world record in javelin throw but it's not set by Neeraj Chopra? Meet India's ace javelin thrower who will be in action in Paris soon.

It might come as a surprise to many Indian sports fans but India does hold a world record in javelin throw. Even if one was to believe it, Neeraj Chopra would be the most commonly guessed name that might come in reponse to the query which Indian athlete holds that record. However, the world record that India holds in javelin throw was not set by Neeraj Chopra.

India's Golden Boy's career-best throw is recorded at 89.94 metres. However, it does not merit him a world record. Recently, Neeraj Chopra produced the second-best throw of his career at 89.45 metres but it was only good enough for him to win the Paris Olympics 2024 silver medal as Arshad Nadeem's 92.97 metres Olympic record-breaking throw won him the gold.

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But the question remains who then holds the world record for India? It is none other than India's Paralympic legend Sumit Antil. He holds the world record and created it in the Tokyo Paralympics where he clinched the gold medal by setting a new world record of 68.55 metres. Sumit will be one of India's flagbearers for the upcoming Paris Paralympics 2024.

Sumit Antil has even gone to better his own record and recorded a throw of 70.83 metres to bag a gold medal at the 2023 World Championship before a 73.29 metres throw to win a gold at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.

Sumit Antil Has An Amputated Leg

It is interesting to note that Sumit Antil initially wanted to be a wrestler. However, he met with a motorcyle accident with his bike colliding with a truck, sustaining injuries. Sumit's left leg had to be amputated. However, that did not dampen his spirits and he has gone to become one of India's bankable stars in Paralympic Sports. He might not compete with the abled-bodied athletes but when it comes to para-sports, he is one of the best in the world. 

Neeraj may have missed out on a gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 but Sumit Antil still has a chance and he is eyeing just that at the Paralympic Games 2024 set to commence on August 28.