Murlikant Petkar: The Inspiring Journey of India’s First Paralympic Gold Medalist
In the annals of Indian sports, certain names stand as beacons of inspiration, resilience, and triumph against adversity. One such name is Murlikant Petkar, a pioneering figure in Indian sports history. He isn’t just celebrated for his incredible achievements but also for his indomitable spirit, which helped him rise from the ashes of a life-altering tragedy to become India’s first Paralympic gold medalist. Early Life and Military Service Born on November 1, 1944, in Maharashtra, Murlikant Petkar showed an early interest in sports, particularly boxing. His natural talent and hard work led him to join the Indian Army, where he served in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME). Petkar’s athletic prowess continued to shine through during his military service, where he excelled in multiple sports, including boxing, swimming, and table tennis. The Turning Point Petkar’s life took a dramatic turn in 1965 during the Indo-Pakistani War. He was severely injured in a Pakistani ai