A message from Neeraj Chopra to not try anything new during competition worked wonders for Sumit Antil as he went on to win back-to-back gold medals in the Paralympics.

Sumit on Monday became the first Indian man, and second from the country, to defend the Paralympics title as he won the F64 category javelin gold with a Games record of 70.59m.

The 26-year-old world record holder from Sonipat in Haryana, who lost his left leg below the knee after he was involved in a motorbike accident in 2015, bettered his own earlier Paralympic best of 68.55m set in Tokyo while winning the gold three years ago. His world record stands at 73.29m.

Sumit said he and Neeraj interact with each other at least once in a month, discussing about their sport and how to get better in it.

“I did not speak personally with Neerajbhai before the Paris Games. I got a message from him through somebody... He said, ‘it’s a very good atmosphere (in Paris) and it will be a good experience but don’t try anything new’. I just took it and it was a really good experience for me,” Sumitl said during a virtual media interaction on Tuesday.

“Me and Neerajbhai remain in touch with each other. I keep on interacting with him once in a fortnight or a month. Whenever we speak to each other, it’s about our sport.”

Deepthi's bronze

Sprinter Deepthi Jeevanji won bronze in the women's 400m (T20) event on a largely uneventful day for the country on Tuesday. The 20-year-old Jeevanji clocked 55.82s to secure a podium finish in her debut Games appearance. She finished behind Ukraine's Yuliia Shuliar (55.16s) and Turkey's Aysel Onder (55.23s).

India's overall medal count increased by one to 16, including three gold medals. Six medals have come from track-and-field events. The country is currently placed 18th in the standings.

The T20 category is meant for athletes who have intellectual impairment.

In shooting, Avani Lekhara finished fifth in the final of the women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 competition in Chateauroux.

With inputs from PTI