In the men’s javelin throw F64 event at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025, Olympic gold medallist witnessed a historic feat from the stands. In a spectacle that electrified the Jawaharlal Nehru
Stadium, the javelin arced through the floodlit sky, landing with a thud that echoed across the arena, with the crowd erupting in a deafening roar. Competing among contestants from Colombia, Kazakhstan, among others, India reigned supreme in the F64 category, underscoring the depth of talent in India’s para-javelin pipeline.
Indian para-athlete Sumit Antil etched his name deeper into the annals of sporting glory on Tuesday evening. With a thunderous fifth-throw of 71.37 meters, the 27-year-old shattered his own championship record and clinched his third consecutive gold medal in the men's javelin throw F64 at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025. As his javelin landed at the record mark, Antil pumped his fist skyward, his face appearing as a mosaic of relief, joy, and quiet determination. “This is for my mother, who believed when I couldn't,” he reportedly stated. Colombia's Tomas Felipe Soto Mina snagged silver with a personal best of 48.38 meters, while Kazakhstan's Rufat Khabibullin claimed bronze at 47.14 meters, both marking their career highs. Fellow Indian Pardeep Kumar, competing with quiet resolve, finished fifth at 42.72 meters.
I really enjoyed Sumit setting a championship record: Neeraj Chopra
Sumit Antil’s masterclass unfolded in the final throw, his first four attempts of 69.12m, 68.47m, a foul, and 70.01m however kept him in command, but the pressure built as silver and bronze spots tightened. Then, on his fifth, he unleashed perfection with a seamless run-up, explosive release, and a flight that silenced the stadium before igniting it. The 71.37m not only clinched gold but widened his lead to 22.99 meters over Tomas Felipe Soto Mina, a margin that speaks volumes. Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra, who was in the stands appeared elated after the Indian dominance in the javelin throw event. “I really enjoyed Sumit setting a championship record,” he said after the event.
For India, day 4 was a medal bonanza. In the men's javelin F46, Rinku Hooda dethroned record-holder Sundar Singh Gurjar for gold (66.37m) and silver (64.76m), a 1-2 finish that evoked memories of able-bodied triumphs. Yogesh Kathuniya added silver in discus F56 (42.49m), while Sandip Sanjay and Sandeep finished first and second in another javelin event. With six world records, two Paralympic golds, and now three straight world titles, the record just keep tumbling for Sumit Antil.
