Murlikant Petkar

Murlikant Petkar

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Category: Sports & Games

Murlikant Petkar Profile

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  • Murlikant Petkar

Murlikant Petkar Biography

Murlikant Petkar was the first Indian to win gold in disabled sports. An unsung hero, he won an individual gold medal in the 1972 Paralympics, in Heidelberg, Germany. He remained one among the finalists in all the three events he participated in 1972 Paralympics. He also set a world record in the 50m freestyle swimming event, at 37.33 seconds, winning Gold medal to India for the first time. Till now, Petkar’s achievement in the year 1972 is regarded as India’s best in Paralympics events for disabled persons. From an EME jawan of the Indian National Army to a boxer to a Paralympic winner, this living legend is a great inspiration to all those people who are willing to fight their disabilities, either physical or mental.

 

As per latest buzz, a biopic is to be made on this legendary player in Bollywood and Sushant Singh Rajput known for playing sportsman roles is to play his role. The film is tentatively titled Murli - The Unsung Hero, scripted by the film journalist turned scriptwriter Prashant Singh. The movie is to be presented by internationally acclaimed film maker Shekhar Kapur, who has earlier made the biopic of Bhulan Devi titled Bandit Queen.

 

Murlikant Petkar was a private soldier who worked in Indian Army. He was severely wounded in 1965 War against Pakistan. Though he was severely wounded he survived. He was shot by seven bullets and a bullet which is still stuck in his spine made him paraplegic. But Petkar was not among those who gave up. He was originally a boxer at EME, Secunderabad before he joined military.

 

He participated for the first time in 1968 Paralympics he managed to reach the second round of table tennis. In the 1972 Paralympics he made history breaking the world record in the 50m freestyle swimming event. He won four international medals in swimming event. He was later employed by TELCO in Pune. He is one among those unsung Indian heroes who faded away from limelight soon, except that he was once felicitated by Cricketer Rahul Dravid. Lost in oblivion, no recognition, no Arjuna Award for this unsung hero, yet!

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Updated: March 06, 2016

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