Paralympic Icon Murlikant Petkar Overjoyed as His Final Aspiration is Realized with the Arjuna Award
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Mumbai, Jan 2 (NationPress) The legendary Murlikant Rajaram Petkar, who made history as India’s first gold medallist in the Paralympic Games, was overjoyed on Thursday after the Sports Ministry recommended him for the Arjuna Award in the Lifetime category, marking the realization of his final wish.
In 1972, Petkar triumphed by securing a gold medal in the men's 50m freestyle swimming event at the Paralympic Games held in Heidelberg, Germany, thus becoming the first Indian to win an individual gold medal in both the Olympics and Paralympic Games.
Sadly, his extraordinary achievement remained largely overlooked for many years, as para-sports were not given significant recognition at the time, and he was not eligible for the Arjuna Award, which is the premier sports honor in India, prior to the establishment of the Khel Ratna award in 1991-92.
On Thursday, after 52 years since his remarkable victory, Petkar was nominated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for the Arjuna Award in the Lifetime category, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to para-sports.
The 80-year-old Petkar chose to focus on the joy of being acknowledged rather than the delay in receiving the award. He expressed his gratitude for the government finally recognizing his accomplishments. In 2018, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded him the prestigious Padma Shri, and now the Arjuna Award marks another significant recognition from the current administration.
"This was my only wish left (to be fulfilled). Before today, this was my only regret, and now it has been fulfilled. I am truly happy about that. Although I did not receive it sooner, I am grateful to finally be recognized. It always feels rewarding to be acknowledged. Whatever happens is for the good; it is God’s wish," Petkar shared with IANS from Pune, where he enjoys his retirement with his son, Arjun.
Both Murlikant Petkar and his son Arjun extended their thanks to the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian Army, the Sports Authority of India, the Maharashtra government, and all the supporters over the years.
Arjun also expressed appreciation for filmmaker Kabir Khan, whose biopic on Murlikant Petkar, titled Chandu Champion, brought his inspiring life story into the spotlight and integrated it into popular culture.
Petkar was pleased to see that today’s para-sportspersons are gaining the recognition they deserve following their successes in the Paralympic Games, a stark contrast to his time. This year, the prestigious Khel Ratna was awarded to para-athlete Praveen Kumar, who claimed a gold medal in high jump at the 2024 Paralympic Games, alongside World Chess Champion D. Gukesh, Paris Olympic Games double bronze medallist shooter Manu Bhaker, and two-time Olympic bronze medallist hockey player Harmanpreet Singh.
Among the 32 candidates shortlisted for the Arjuna Award, there are 17 para-sportspersons, including javelin thrower Navdeep, Sachin Khilari, Dharambir, archer Rakesh, and para-shuttlers Nitish Kumar, Thulasimathi Murugesan, Nithya Sre Sumathy, Sivanand, and Manisha Ramadass.
When asked about his aspirations for para-sportspersons in India, Murlikant Petkar expressed his hope to see India secure 50 medals in the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games.
"The PCI (Paralympic Committee of India) had set a target of 25 medals for Paris, and we surpassed that with 29 medals. Now, I have set a goal of 50 medals. I would be even more thrilled if that comes to fruition," Petkar remarked.
