Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 11 (ANI): Indian Paralympic gold medallist Sumit Antil shared his aspirations to realize an 80-metre mark in javelin throw inside the subsequent few years. This comes after his outstanding efficiency on the Paris Paralympics, the place he secured his second consecutive gold medal with a record-breaking throw of 70.59 m.
The Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist dominated the F64 javelin throw remaining in Paris this September, breaking the Paralympic report twice to say the highest spot on the rostrum.
Antil spoke on the GoSports Foundation Annual Sports Awards Night 2024, held in Mumbai on Monday.
According to a press launch, Antil remarked, “Before the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, I announced during a press conference my aim to hit the 70-metre mark. Many doubted it, saying it was impossible for a Paralympian. However, within 1.5 years, I achieved that milestone at the World Championships. Now, my dream is to reach 80 metres in the coming years.”The awards night time honoured a number of sporting icons. Paralympic heroes Dharambir and Rakesh Kumar, desk tennis star Sreeja Akula, and badminton duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty had been topped Athletes of the Year. The occasion celebrated the accomplishments of champions like Muhammed Anas and Nikhat Zareen, who had been named ‘Most Consistent Athletes of the Year’. Sumit Antil, for his stellar efficiency in Paris, was recognised because the Most Valuable Paralympian.
The ceremony introduced collectively over 100 athletes, together with mentors and supporters, to have a good time achievements throughout a number of sporting disciplines. The night additionally highlighted the collaborative efforts that propel Indian sports activities ahead, offering company companions and donors a possibility to have interaction with the athletes they help.
Nikhat Zareen, reflecting on her recognition, shared, “Coming from a conservative Muslim family where girls are often expected to stay home and marry, my father, an athlete himself, thought differently. He supported me from the beginning. My mother, however, was concerned no one would marry my sisters and me. I reassured her that once I succeeded, there would be a queue of suitors at our door!”Table tennis star Sreeja Akula additionally shared her journey: “From a young age, I dreamt of representing India and winning medals. Achieving this has taken years of dedication, resilience, and support. My inspiration was my sister, who excelled in sports but had to quit due to financial constraints. Her story motivated me to pursue table tennis seriously. Though my parents initially hesitated, as I was excelling academically with 96% in my 12th grade, they eventually supported my passion, along with my coach and organisations like GoSports Foundation.”Suhas Yathiraj, a silver medallist on the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics, was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to NeighborhoodSport award. Women’s cricketer Nandini Kashyap acquired the Spotlight of the Year award for her distinctive home performances. Young abilities akin to diver Palak Sharma and para-swimmer Himanshu Nandal had been recognised because the Most Promising Athletes of the Year.
The awards additionally highlighted rising stars and seasoned performers, showcasing the immense potential of Indian sports activities.
Full List of Winners:Spotlight of the Year: Nandini KashyapMost Promising Athlete (Paralympic Sport): Himanshu NandalMost Promising Athlete (Olympic Sport): Palak SharmaMost Improved Performer of the Year (Olympic Sport): Hariharan RubanMost Improved Performer of the Year (Paralympic Sport): Yash KumarMost Consistent Athlete of the Year (Olympic Sport – Male): Muhammed AnasMost Consistent Athlete of the Year (Olympic Sport – Female): Nikhat ZareenMost Consistent Athlete of the Year (Paralympic Sport): Rakesh KumarTowards All Odds: Raja MuthupandiJoseph Ollapally Memorial Award: Rakshitha SreeAthlete of the Year (Olympic Sport – Male): Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj RankireddyAthlete of the Year (Olympic Sport – Female): Sreeja AkulaAthlete of the Year (Paralympic Sport – Male): DharambirAthlete of the Year (Paralympic Sport – Female): Aruna TanwarMost Valuable Paralympian: Sumit AntilOutstanding Contribution to NeighborhoodSport: Suhas Yathiraj(ANI)