"I instantly rang up maa after winning gold" - Sumit Antil's heartwarming tribute to his mother after Paris Paralympics 2024 heroics [Exclusive]
Sumit Antil may well have registered his name in India's sporting folklore by defending his title at the Paris Paralympics 2024. However what matters the most for the star javelin thrower is the blessings of his 'maa.'
Having just won a second consecutive Paralympic gold at the Games in Paris, the first person Sumit called up was his mother. During a conversation with Sportskeeda at a recent felicitation ceremony in Delhi, the 26-year-old spoke with much emotion while talking about the bond he shares with her.
"The first person that comes to my mind after any achievement in life is my mother. After the win in Paris, I instantly called up maa. Though she must have been busy with many calls after my win in Paris, I still had to speak with her first as her blessing are very precious to me," Sumit said.
It is easy for a person to get complacent after accomplishing what only a few have. But for Sumit Antil, that is not the case. His theory is that whatever medals he wins are not his alone but of the entire country. This thought is what continues to keep him grounded.
"I strongly feel that the medals I win are not mine alone but belongs to the entire country. The wishes and blessings of the entire nation are with me, so how can it be my medal alone!? We all have won the medal, I am just a passport to that success. There is no scope of developing any complaceny," he expressed.
"My team never lets distractions hinder my focus" - Sumit Antil expresses gratitude towards his team
Sumit Antil might have competed in an individual sport, but for him to get to that stage took a lot of hardwork from several people. The Haryana-born star understands the importance of those working with him and is grateful for the role his team plays in his life.
In the same interview, Antil said there can sometimes be distractions which may hinder his focus. However, his team is always there to keep him on the path he intends to be on. They ensure he stays determined and achieves his goals.
"The biggest reason behind my success is my team. They have created such positive surroundings around me that my success is owed all to them. Yes, distractions are always there but they have helped me maintain my focus on the game and never let any distractions hinder the task," Sumit said.
The support of his team and the blessings of his mother have ensured that Sumit Antil keeps winning medals while breaking records. With a great head on his shoulders, the path ahead looks extremely bright for this young Indian sporting star.