One app for all your study abroad needs
When one talks about the Paralympics, who can forget the Paralympic winner Murlikant Petkar? The name itself speaks volumes like other famous personalities who are physically challenged yet have achieved greater heights and broken several records. His journey from a soldier to a swimmer shows the power of perseverance and determination. In 1972, he made history at the Paralympic Games in Heidelberg, Germany by winning a gold medal in the 50-meter freestyle swimming competition, setting a world record time of 37.33 seconds. Let us learn more about this legendary champion in the blog.
Table of Contents
| Overview About Paralympics Winner Murlikant Petkar | |
| Full Name | Murlikant Rajaram Petkar |
| Date of Birth | November 1, 1944 |
| Place of Birth | Peth Islampur, Sangli, Maharashtra |
| Paralympic Gold Medal | 1972, Heidelberg, Germany |
| Event | 50m Freestyle Swimming, Paralympic Games |
| World Record Time | 37.33 seconds |
| Military Service | Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), Indian Army |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2018) |
| Achievements | 1970 Commonwealth Paraplegic Games Gold Medal |
Who is Paralympics Winner Murlikant Petkar?
Murlikant Rajaram Petkar was born on November 1st 1944 in Peth Islampur, Sangli, Maharashtra in the pre-independent India. From a young age, he was inclined towards sports, and wrestling and played hockey during his school years.
He remembers the star Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav who won in the Olympics in 1952, when Petkar was just 8 years old. Petkar narrated to Forbes, how he was inspired by just getting a glimpse of Jadhav sitting on his brother’s shoulder, and he decided that he would also one day win a medal.
Petkar recalls the unbelievable victory celebration, he walked 20 km from his village to see Jadhav. “There was tremendous energy and enthusiasm among the people gathered there. Taken in by the response to his win and the fervour among people, I decided there and then that I will also win a medal for my country,” Petkar narrates to Forbes India in an interview.
A turning event in his life came when he defeated the village head’s son in wrestling. Because of the wrath of the villagers, he had to flee to Pune. There, he joined the Boys Battalion of the Indian Army, where his sports journey truly began.
Also Know – Know About The Biography Of Neeraj Chopra
Tragic incident during the Indo-Pak War of 1965
Murlikant Petkar was appointed as an Indian Army jawan in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME). Petkar also got an opportunity to represent the Indian Army in the sport of Boxing at the International Services Sports Meet in Tokya in 1964.
In 1965, during the Indo-Pak War, Murlikant Petkar was stationed in the Sialkot sector. Unfortunately, he suffered severe injuries during an aerial attack and was subsequently run over by an army vehicle. This incident led to memory loss, and a bullet lodged in his spine forever. Despite these challenges, his spirit remained unbroken. He regained memory and mobility after two years.
Also Read – MC Mary Kom, the Queen of Boxing & Her Achievements!
Participation of Murlikant Petkar in Paralympics
Murlikant Petkar’s journey to the Paralympics began when in 1968, he participated in table tennis at the Summer Paralympics.
- But he had to leave his mastered skill and switch to swimming. He also participated in the 1970 Commonwealth Games.
- He won a Gold medal in 50-metre freestyle swimming, a Silver in javelin throw, and a Bronze in shot-put at the 3rd Commonwealth Paraplegic Games at Edinburgh, Scotland.
- He again participated in the historic, 1972 Paralympic Games in Heidelberg, Germany.
- Petkar won four gold medals in the swimming category.
- He made history when he won the gold medal in the 50-meter freestyle event, breaking the record in 37.33 seconds.
- He also became the first Indian Paralympic Gold Medalist.
Post-Paralympic Life of Murlikant Petkar
After his historic win, Murlikant Petkar continued to serve the nation in various capacities. He started working at TELCO (Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company) in Pune and worked as a Senior Assistant in the Public Relations Department.
Also Read – Biography of Sania Mirza
Rewards and Honours
Here is a list of awards that Murlikant Petkar has earned because of his contributions to the nation –
| Date | Award/Event |
| 1971 | Best Swimmer Shield by Gen Manekshaw, then Chief of Army Staff of Artificial Limb Centre Pune |
| 1969-1973 | General Championship Cup for five consecutive years |
| 1975 | Shiv Chhatrapati Award by the Government of Maharashtra (First award given to a disabled athlete in India) |
| 26 January 1976 | Honoured by the President of All India Mayors Council, Mr Thorat, for being the National Champion for 7 Years straight (1968-76) in Pune |
| 5 April 1979 | Krida Pratishthan Award by Shri Vijay Merchant |
| 1981 | Outstanding Sportsman Award by then Mayor of Pune |
| 2018 | Honoured by the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) |
| 21 March 2018 | Padma Shri Award by the Government of India |
In 2024, he was given the honour by the Bollywood industry by making a film based on his real-life name “ Chandu Champion”. The character of Murlikant Patekar was portrayed by Kartik Aryan.
FAQs
Yes, Maurlikant Patekar was a boxer before he mastered the art of swimming and other various sports.
Murlikant Patekar got Padma Shri by the former President of India Ram Nath Kovind in 2018.
In real life, Chandu Champion is Murlikant Rajaram Patekar, the first Indian Paralympic Winner.
Related Reads
This was all about the Paralympic winner Murlikant Petkar. If you want to know more about other Famous Personalities then visit our General Knowledge page!