Sumit Antil (Para-Javelin) and Nitesh Kumar (Para-Badminton), India’s Paralympic Gold medallists, have joined hands with IOS Sports and Entertainment, a sports management organisation.
They join para-high jumper and two-time Paralympic silver medallist Nishad Kumar, demonstrating IOS Sports’ continuous dedication to promoting and encouraging para-athletes in India.
Sumit Antil became the second Indian athlete to win back his top spot on the podium, capturing the gold medal in the F64 Javelin Throw category at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024. Notably, he established a record of 70.59 meters. The 26-year-old from Haryana, who also owns the world record of 73.29m, knocked his previous Paralympic mark of 68.55m, which was achieved in the Tokyo Paralympics. He lost his left leg below the knee in an accident when he was 17, but his passion for athletics has propelled him to the top of the world’s para-athlete rankings.
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.”
Nitesh Kumar, a para-badminton champion for India, claimed one of India’s gold medals in the Paris Paralympics. Nitesh, an IIT student who recovered from lifelong limb injuries sustained in a 2009 accident, joined the Paralympics with a bronze medal from the BWF Para-World Championships. Prior to this, he won three medals in 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.”
Nishad Kumar, a 24-year-old Indian para-athlete and member of the IOS family, won his second straight Paralympic silver medal in the high jump T47 category, leaping 2.04m in the final. He also won gold in the 2022 Asian Para Games. Nishad lost his right hand at the age of six, yet it did not stop him from becoming one of India’s greatest para-athletes.
On the development, 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 will surely 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.”
Mr. 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 a long list of athletes handled exclusively by IOS. The representation company already has a fantastic roster, like MC Mary Kom, Vijender Singh, Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain, Harmanpreet Singh, Manu Bhaker and recently signed Swapnil Kusale.