Sumit Antil, a rising star in Indian javelin, hails from Haryana, the same state as Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra. Despite living just 50 kilometers apart, their paths first crossed not in their homeland but in the distant country of Finland in 2018. At that time, Sumit was still striving to make a name for himself, while Neeraj was already a prominent figure in the sport.
The meeting in Finland marked a turning point in Sumit’s life. To attend the event, Sumit had to spend all his savings, but what he gained from that trip was invaluable. Meeting Neeraj Chopra provided him with the inspiration and confidence he needed to pursue his dreams. Neeraj’s words had a profound impact on Sumit. He recalls how Neeraj encouraged him, telling him that he had the potential to achieve greatness in javelin. This simple yet powerful advice became a guiding mantra for Sumit.
From that point on, Sumit began to meet Neeraj regularly at various events. Their shared background and the Haryanvi language further strengthened their bond. Sumit greatly admired Neeraj’s humility and down-to-earth nature, despite his growing fame. Neeraj’s polite and respectful behavior, regardless of his achievements, left a lasting impression on Sumit. It motivated him to not only excel in his sport but also to remain grounded and approachable.
Today, both Sumit Antil and Neeraj Chopra have become champions, with their achievements bringing immense pride to India. While Neeraj has clinched an Olympic gold, Sumit has earned his place as a Paralympic gold medalist. Their journeys, though different, are intertwined by the mutual respect and inspiration they share, serving as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the nation.
