Murlikant Petkar Age, Height, Family, Career, Net Worth, Lifestyle & Facts

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Full name: Murlikant Rajaram Petkar

Profession: Former Indian Athlete

Famous for: Being India’s first Paralympic gold medalist

Date of Birth: 1 November 1947 (Saturday)

Age (as of 2024): 77 Years

Birthplace: Peth Islampur, Sangli, Maharashtra

Nationality: Indian

Hometown: Sangli, Maharashtra

Age: 77 Years

Check Out Other Celebrities Biography

EDUCATION

School: He did his schooling in his hometown

Educational Qualifications: Class 5

PHYSICAL STATISTICS

Height (approx.): in centimeters – 175 cm in meters – 1.75 m in feet & inches – 5’ 9”

Eye Colour: Black

Hair Colour: Black

Height: 5′ 9″

FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS

Marital Status: Married

Wife/Spouse: Name Not Known

Children: Son – Arjun Petkar

Parents: Father – Name Not Known (freedom-fighter)

Siblings: He has five siblings.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

International Debut: In the 1964 International Services Sports Meet, held in Tokyo.

Awards, Honours, Achievements: • Best Swimmer Shield by Gen Manekshaw then Chief of Army Staff of Artificial Limb Centre Pune in 1971 • Set a world record in 1972 in the 50 m freestyle swimming with a finishing time of 37.33 seconds • Gaurav Padak by then Mayor of Pune N. B. Limaye in 1973 • General Championship Cup for five consecutive years (1969-73) • Special Prize for outstanding performance by Pune Jaycees in 1975 • Shiv Chhatrapati Award by the Government of Maharastra in 1975 (This was the first award given to a disabled athlete in India) • Honoured by the President of All India Mayors Council, Mr Thorat for being the National Champion for 7 Years straight (1968-76) and felicitated on 26 January 1976 in Pune • Krida Pratishthan Award by Shri Vijay Merchant on 5 April 1979 • Outstanding Sportsman Award by then Mayor of Pune in 1981 • Honoured by the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) in 2018 • Padma Shri Award by former President Ram Nath Kovind on 21 March 2018 • Arjuna Award by President Droupadi Murmu on 17 January 2025

OTHER INFORMATION

Coach/Mentor: Jawahar (1968-1972)

Medals: • Gold at the Summer Paralympics, held in Heidelberg, Germany in 1972 • 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, in 1970 • Raksha Medal in 1965 • Gold at the Stoke Mandeville International Paraplegic Meet in 1969 • Gold at the Stoke Mandeville International Paraplegic Meet in 1971

INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Murlikant Petkar, a trailblazer in Indian sports history, is celebrated as the nation’s first Paralympic gold medalist, a title he earned in the 1972 Summer Paralympics. Competing in Heidelberg, Germany, Petkar not only secured the coveted gold but also set a world record in the 50-meter freestyle swimming event, finishing with an impressive time of 37.33 seconds. This remarkable achievement marked a significant milestone, paving the way for future athletes with disabilities and establishing India’s presence on the international stage of parasports.

Born in Sangli, Maharashtra, Murlikant’s early education concluded in the 5th standard before he moved to Pune to live with his paternal aunt. From a young age, he harbored a deep passion for sports, excelling in various disciplines such as wrestling, athletics, and hockey. His athletic journey took a pivotal turn when he learned about army recruitment and subsequently joined the Indian Army as a private in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME). His time in the army was marked by vigorous participation in service sports, culminating in a memorable performance at the 1964 International Services Sports Meet in Tokyo, where he not only showcased his boxing skills but also shone brightly in swimming, earning four medals.

Tragedy struck during Petkar’s service in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. While stationed in Kashmir, he was caught in an aerial attack and sustained nine gunshot wounds, leading to paralysis in his lower body. This traumatic incident, which he recounted with a sense of disbelief, was a life-altering moment. After undergoing treatment in Delhi, he expressed a longing for a transfer to the INHS Asvini Hospital in Mumbai, where he faced the daunting reality of his injuries. During a challenging period of rehabilitation, a fortuitous encounter with a sweeper led him to gamble on a popular game, resulting in a surprising win that transformed his outlook and spurred him toward recovery.

Acknowledging the limitations imposed by his injuries, a physiotherapist recommended swimming as a means of rehabilitation. Petkar embraced this advice, practicing diligently at a nearby pool, where he crossed paths with former cricketer Vijay Merchant. Inspired by Merchant’s encouragement, he prepared for international competitions, ultimately securing his first gold medal at the Stoke Mandeville International Paraplegic Meet in England in 1969. This victory was followed by further accolades at the 3rd Commonwealth Paraplegic Games in Edinburgh in 1970, where he won gold in freestyle swimming alongside medals in javelin throw and shot put. His crowning achievement came in 1972, solidifying his legacy as an icon of perseverance and excellence in Indian sports.

Following his monumental success, Petkar joined TELCO in Pune in 1972, where he remained for nearly three decades, serving as a Senior Assistant in the Public Relations Department. His influence extended beyond the pool, inspiring many through his story, which has been chronicled in various books and educational materials, including the CBSE board’s ‘Reading Literacy’. In 2024, his life and achievements were immortalized in the film ‘Chandu Champion’, with Kartik Aryan portraying his character, a testament to his enduring legacy as a pioneer in parasports and a symbol of resilience and determination.

—

Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.