Paralympic legend Murlikant Petkar meets Army para-athletes
During his visit, he interacted with para-athletes of the Indian Army, as well as patients undergoing rehabilitation at the Artificial Limb Centre, Pune and the Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Military Hospital, Khadki.
Starting his sporting career as a boxer in the Indian army before sustaining bullet injuries during 1965 war, Petkar went on to win gold in Swimming in 1972 paralympics.
'His story of unmatched resilience and fortitude served as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all present. His visit was a powerful tribute to the Indian Army's enduring legacy of nurturing champions – both on the battlefield and in the sporting arena.' said a press statement from the Army.
Petkar's journey is the inspiration behind Kartik Aaryan starrer Kabir Khan film, Chandu Champion.
Born on November 1, 1944 at Peth Islampur area of Maharashtra's Sangli, Petkar joined the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) in 1962 as a Craftsman. Petkar's sports journey began when he represented the Indian Army in Boxing at Tokyo. It was during the 1965 India Pakistan war, Petkar sustained nine bullet injuries in the Sialkot sector resulting in a permanent disability.
Refusing to be held back, he transitioned to Para sports and won the gold in the 50-metre freestyle swimming event in the 1972 Summer Paralympics held at Heidelberg in Germany.
'One bullet still remains lodged in my spine as a reminder. I spent 16 months in various hospitals fighting a battle for my recovery. The doctors suggested I take up swimming to help my recovery. It soon became my passion.' Petkar had said during an interaction with the Indian Express earlier. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2018.
Petkar's visit on Wednesday marked a special moment as he interacted with Subedar Hokato Sema, Bronze Medalist in Sitting Shot Put at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, and Subedar Soman Rana, Vishisht Seva Medal, a two-time Paralympian from Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
Petkar was felicitated by Maj Gen Anurag Vij, General Officer Commanding, Dakshin Maharashtra and Goa Sub Area, for his remarkable contributions to the nation – both in uniform and beyond.
'The Indian Army has long been a cradle for world-class athletes, supported by cutting-edge training establishments and a robust ecosystem that blends physical excellence with indomitable spirit. This event reinforced the Indian Army's commitment to training and empowering its wounded warriors to achieve excellence in sports and stood as a testament to its focus on rehabilitation through sports.' the release stated.
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