Life has a different way of testing our limits, sometimes cruelly, sometimes unexpectedly. For Sumit Antil, what began as a regular ride home from tuition on a summer evening in 2015 turned into a nightmare that would change his life forever. A devastating road accident led to the amputation of his left leg, shattering the dreams he had nurtured since childhood—to become a wrestler and join the Indian Army—just like many others in his village. From the tragedy rose a new dream powered by extraordinary motivation. 

Today, Sumit Antil stands tall as a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, Padma Shri awardee, Khel Ratna winner, and a six-time world record holder in javelin throw. This is not just the story of a champion athlete. This is the story of a young man who found strength in the very moment he felt broken. 

The Road to Darkness: A Dream Lost in an Instant

Sumit Antil was born on 7 June 1998 in Khewra village, Sonipat, Haryana. After losing his father, Ram Kumar Antil—an Indian Air Force personnel—at the age of seven, Sumit found his pillar of strength in his mother, Nirmala Devi, who held the family together through adversity. With three elder sisters, Sumit grew up in a loving environment where discipline and determination were the norms. His first love was wrestling, a sport deeply rooted in Haryana’s soil. He also harbored ambitions of joining the Army, wearing the uniform with pride. But fate had a different script. On May 5, 2015, while returning from tuition on his motorbike, a speeding truck hit him. The impact was so severe that his left leg had to be amputated. At just 17 years old, he lay on a hospital bed, watching his dreams slip away.

A New Chapter: Finding His 'Second Birthdate'

What followed were months of physical pain, emotional turmoil, and a deep existential vacuum. But even in this darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of his doctors, his mother’s strength, and his own unwavering grit. On May 26, 2015, just weeks after his accident, Sumit stood on his feet again with the help of a prosthetic leg. That day, he says, changed everything. Sumit was introduced to para-athletics while pursuing his B.Com at Ramjas College, Delhi University. The javelin, a sport he had never considered, became his new battleground. 

The Rise of a Legend: Records, Medals & Glory

By 2017, Sumit began training under coach Nitin Jaiswal and joined the national para-athletic circuit. His talent was undeniable. In 2019, he broke the world record in the F64 category during the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Italy, clinching the silver medal. Later that year, he won another silver at the World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai, once again breaking his own world record. His ascent was meteoric. 

The real moment of glory came on August 30, 2021, when Sumit clinched gold at the Tokyo Paralympics, setting a new world record of 68.55 meters in the javelin throw F64 category. Three of his throws in that final broke the world record, a truly unparalleled record. But he didn’t stop there. In 2022, he won gold at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou with a world record throw of 73.29 meters. He defended his Paralympic title at Paris 2024, throwing 70.59 meters and becoming the first Indian male athlete to win back-to-back gold medals in the same event at the Paralympics. Sumit is now a six-time world record holder, with multiple international medals under his belt, and continues to inspire millions with his dedication.

Honours & Recognition: A Nation Celebrates Its Hero

Sumit Antil’s incredible journey and achievements have been recognized across the country. In 2021, he was honoured with the Khel Ratna Award, which is India’s highest sporting award, given to athletes who bring pride to the nation through their exceptional performances. The following year, he received the Padma Shri, one of the country’s most respected civilian awards, for his outstanding contribution to sports. In 2024, Sumit was featured in Forbes India’s “30 Under 30” list, highlighting him as one of the most inspiring young achievers in the country. He was also named Para Athlete of the Year at the Indian Sports Honours and received the Sportstar Aces Award as Sportsman of the Year in parasports. These honours reflect not just his sporting success but the way he has inspired millions with his determination and courage.

Sumit Antil is far from done. With the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships set to be held in Delhi, the hometown boy is preparing to once again wear India’s colors with pride. His goal is not just medals; it's to inspire the next generation of athletes who are fighting battles we don’t always see.