Neeraj Chopra is my inspiration: Gold medallist Sumit Antil

India held its breath as javelin thower Sumit Antil broke his own Paralympics record and set a new world record in Tokyo. The para athlete, who bagged the gold medal and roared his way to the podium, tells us, “Javelin mein mujhe lagbhag char saal ho gaye hain aur iss performance ke liye maine hadd se zyada mehnat ki thi. Jo main field par dahada, woh meri bahut saalon ki bhadaas thi,” he says.

When asked who his inspiration in javelin throw is, Antil names Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra and says he has learnt a lot by watching Chopra’s game.

A video that’s gone viral on social media is Antil’s call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I had just come from the podium then and I had an international Paralympics gold medal in my hand for the first time. I was very emotional, so I couldn’t think of what to say to him. Main unko thank you hi bolta raha, mere muh se kuch aur nikla hi nahin.”

A Delhi University graduate, Antil remembers his college days fondly. “In my second year at Ramjas College, I decided I didn’t want a 9 to 5 job. I wanted an athlete’s life... So, I decided to take non-attending classes. My college friends supported me a lot. Initially, they weren’t aware about my leg, but when I got selected for the Para Asian Games and my name appeared in the news, that’s when they found out. Campus mein main zyada raha nahin magar Ramjas ki parties mujhe bahut yaad aati hain. Those used to be awesome,” he shares, adding, “My friends are feeling very proud of me. College authorities ka mere ghar pe congratulatory phone aaya tha.”

Where will we be seeing the champion next? “After returning to India, I will undergo elbow rehab and then I will try to return to the field soon. Field se pyaar ho gaya hai. Field pe nahin hota toh mann nahin lagta hai. Ground pe alag hi sukoon hai.”

Jo main field par dahada, woh meri bahut saalon ki bhadaas thi. SUMIT ANTIL, Para athlete

PHOTO: MOLLY DARLINGTON/ REUTERS

PHOTO: RAAJESSH KASHYAP/HT Sangeeta Phogat and Bajrang Punia Star wrestler Bajrang Punia was seen cheering on his wrestler wife, Sangeeta Phogat, as she fought to qualify at the World Wrestling Championship trials in Delhi. Punia fanned her with a towel between her bouts and rooted for her at the side of the ring. “I’m proud of Sangeeta and happy to be here to support her. She’s made a comeback after three years,” he said as Phogat went on to win the match and seal her spot. A friend of Punia told us that the couple often spends time apart because of their training and match schedules. When asked about what he missed while in Tokyo, where he won a bronze medal, Punia says, “Sangeeta ke haath ke aaloo ke parathe”.

PHOTO: AP