India bags 7 medals, Sumit Antil makes history

Indian para-athletes showcased the exceptional talent and resolve at the current Paralympic Games, clinching an impressive haul of seven medals across multiple events.

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The nation’s para-sports prowess was on full display as they secured two golds, three silvers, and two bronze medals. Kumar Nitesh’s triumphant gold medal performance in para-badminton stood out as a defining moment, steering India towards its most successful Paralympic campaign yet. Adding to the glory, javelin thrower Sumit Antil etched his name in history by successfully defending his F64 category title. With a remarkable throw of 70.59m, Antil not only clinched gold but also set a new Paralympic record. His achievement marks him as the first Indian man and only the second athlete from the country to retain a Paralympic title, further cementing India’s rising status in parasports on the global stage.

Kumar Nitesh, a 29-year-old engineering graduate from IIT Mandi, clinched gold in the men’s singles SL3 category on his Paralympic debut. In a grueling final that lasted over an hour, Nitesh defeated Tokyo silver-medallist Daniel Bethell of Britain with a score of 21-14, 18-21, 23-21. Nitesh, who lost his left leg in a train accident in 2009, showed remarkable resilience and strategy in his victory.