New Delhi: IOS Sports & Entertainment announced on Wednesday the addition of Indian Paralympic Gold medalists Sumit Antil (Para-Javelin) and Nitesh Kumar (Para-Badminton) to their athlete roster, alongside para-high jumper Nishad Kumar. This move underscores IOS Sports’ dedication to empowering para-athletes in India.
Sumit Antil, the second Indian athlete to defend his F64 Javelin Throw gold at the Paris Paralympics, set a 70.59m record. The 26-year-old from Sonipat, Haryana, with a world record of 73.29m, surpassed his Tokyo Paralympics mark. Despite losing his left leg at 17, he excels as a top para-athlete worldwide due to his passion for sports.
Speaking on joining IOS, Sumit said, “I am grateful to IOS Sports & Entertainment for their support and allowing me to be a part of their wonderful team. The support and love that I have received from the nation has been truly humbling and it really feels like a new dawn for para-athletes in India, and I am excited for the future.”
India’s gold medallist at the Paris Paralympics, Nitesh Kumar, is a para-badminton star and IIT student who overcame permanent leg damage from a 2009 accident. Nitesh, with a Bronze from the BWF Para-World Championships, also earned three medals at the Asian Games 2022: Gold in men’s doubles, silver in singles, and bronze in mixed doubles.
Nitesh said, “I am grateful to the nation for their best wishes. Earning a medal in Paris has been one of the best moments of my life, and it truly feels humbling to get such a great response from the country. Now, being a part of IOS Sports roster, I feel the future is bright for me and I am thrilled to start this new journey.”
Indian para-athlete Nishad Kumar, a member of the IOS family, won his second Paralympic silver in the high jump T47 category with a 2.04m jump. Despite losing his right hand at just six years old, Nishad has excelled, also earning gold at the 2022 Asian Para Games.
Speaking about his association with IOS, Nishad said, “I am delighted to link up with Sumit and Nitesh as part of the IOS family. They are two of India’s top athletes and with the help of government and corporate support, these two para-athletes are sure to get their due recognition. I am confident that the partnership with IOS will further help them in their growth as much as it did me.”
Neerav Tomar, Founder and Managing Director of IOS Sports & Entertainment said,“We are delighted to welcome Sumit and Nitesh to the IOS Sports family. Along with Nishad, these athletes represent dedication, passion, and excellence in their respective disciplines. At IOS Sports, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where para-athletes are given the recognition and support they deserve. We look forward to working closely with them to help them achieve new milestones and inspire the next generation of athletes.”
The two Paralympians join IOS’ roster of elite athletes, which includes Mary Kom, Vijender Singh, Anju Bobby George, Manu Bhaker, Mirabai Chanu, Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh, Aman Sehrawat, Manika Batra, and more.
