The Haryana government has announced a cash prize of Rs six crore and a government job for Tokyo Paralympics 2020 gold medallist Sumit Antil, as per TNN. Antil won India’s second gold medal in the final of the men’s javelin throw F-64 category on August 30.
Antil produced a brilliant performance. He topped the points table with a world record throw of 66.95m before breaking his own record twice to clinch gold. He smashed the world record thrice in the final and the longest throw was 68.55 metres that ensured he easily finished on top.
Haryana government has also announced a cash prize of Rs 4 crore for Yogesh Kathuniya, who won a silver medal in the men’s discus throw F56 event at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020. Kathuniya will also be offered a government job by the state to honour his superb show at the showpiece event.
Antil became the first Indian to win a gold medal in para-athletics for the country in the history of the Paralympics. He became India’s second gold medallist in Tokyo after shooter Avani Lekhara won the country’s first gold medal. She won the final of women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event to become the first Indian woman to win gold in the Paralympics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to congratulate Antil on his gold medal triumph and also spoke to him on phone after his victory in the final.
“Our athletes continue to shine at the #Paralympics! The nation is proud of Sumit Antil’s record-breaking performance in the Paralympics. Congratulations Sumit for winning the prestigious Gold medal. Wishing you all the best for the future,” PM Modi tweeted for the 23-year-old para javelin thrower.
