From tragedy to triumph: How javelin champion, Sumit Antil found his 'second birthdate'

There are moments when life changes in a heartbeat - when the very act of survival feels like a miracle. For Paralympic Javelin champion, Padma Shri & Khel Ratna awardee, five-time gold medallist, and world-record holder, Sumit Antil, one such moment came in 2015, in the aftermath of a devastating road accident.

At just 17, both his dreams of joining the army or representing India in wrestling were suddenly shattered. But, with the guidance and care of his doctors, Sumit didn’t just recover physically — he found the strength to dream again. Born in Sonipat, Haryana, Sumit started off as a promising young wrestling talent with aspirations of representing India.

But the accident that led to the amputation of his leg seemed to spell the end of everything he’d worked towards.Sumit recalls, “My life was completely shattered. Both my dreams were lost in an instant”. What followed was a long and painful journey—months of recovery, rehabilitation, and uncertainty. But Sumit wasn’t alone. A dedicated team of doctors stood by him, helping him heal not just his body, but his confidence, drive and hope.May 26, 2015—the day he first stood on his feet again, holds deep personal meaning for Sumit.

“It’s the day I began chasing a new dream,” he says. “That’s why I call it my #SecondBirthDate”.

This year, Sumit joins Sun Pharma’s award-winning #SecondBirthDate initiative, a heartfelt campaign that honours doctors who give people a second chance at life. His association with the initiative isn’t just symbolic—it deeply personal. Sumit shares, “National Doctors’ Day is a moment to pause and honour our real-life heroes—doctors who work selflessly to heal and uplift others and I’m proud to be a part of Sun Pharma’s #SecondBirthDate initiative.Sumit defended his title at the Paris 2024 Paralympics with a record throw of 70.59 m, becoming the first Indian male athlete to win back-to-back Paralympic golds in the same event. He is also set to represent India at the World Para Athletics Championship in Delhi in September 2025 – something that wouldn’t have been possible without the doctors that stood by him a decade ago.Through powerful storytelling and real-life journeys like Sumit's, Sun Pharma’s #SecondBirthDate has grown into a national movement over the last three year.

Since its launch, the campaign has inspired thousands to pause and reflect on the critical role of doctors who helped them through life’s toughest chapters. This year along with Sumit, Indian Idol winner, Pawandeep Rajan also shared his personal story of surviving a life-threatening accident, as did Indian cricker, Harmanpreet Kaur.

To amplify these voices, Sun Pharma has rolled out a high-impact media campaign across leading national & regional newspapers and digital platforms— including a special collaboration with Humans of Bombay that features the stories of everyday survivors.

While emphasising the importance of the campaign, Kirti Ganorkar, CEO – India Business, Sun Pharma, said, “#SecondBirthDate is our tribute to doctors who give people a second chance at life. What began three years ago as a humble initiative to celebrate the life of medical heroes has grown into a national movement, powered by countless personal stories of hope, courage, and gratitude. We are truly honoured to have Sumit Antil join the initiative this year.

His resilience and determination to make a meaningful impact reflect the same spirit that drives our doctors — a shared commitment to making a difference in society”.As India marks National Doctors’ Day, Sun Pharma invites everyone to celebrate the doctors who’ve made a difference to their lives. Visit www.secondbirthdate.com to send a personalised ‘Thank You Card’ to the doctor who has gave you or someone you love, a second chance at life.Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Sun Pharma by Times Internet’s Spotlight team.