Who is real life 'Chandu Champion'? Meet Murlikant Petkar, inspiration for Kartik Aaryan's latest film

The eagerly awaited "Chandu Champion" teaser was released showcasing the remarkable life of India's first gold medallist at the Paralympic Games, Murlikant Petkar. The film explores Petkar's incredible journey from a soldier in the Indian Army to attaining unmatched achievement in sports despite serious injuries. It is directed by Kabir Khan and stars Kartik Aaryan.

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The film promises to cover Petkar's life from his humble beginnings to the acclaim he received for his extraordinary accomplishments. To bring Murlikant Petkar to life onscreen, Kartik Aaryan underwent extensive training and preparation. Let's get to know these seven facts about Murlikant Petkar.

Early Life and Origins:

Murlikant Petkar was born in 1944 in the tiny Maharashtra town of Peth Islampur. His extraordinary rise from humble beginnings to become a global sports legend is a testament to his fortitude and perseverance.

War Hero:

Murlikant Petkar participated in the 1965 Indo-Pak War and was a member of the Indian Army prior to becoming a Paralympian. He sustained severe injuries when his army barracks were attacked, which led to his disability. Despite these injuries, he found a new path in sports.

Training and Perseverance:

Sports training was a part of Petkar's rehabilitation following his war injuries. His achievement was largely due to his commitment to training, which showed his unwavering attitude.

India's First Paralympic Gold Medalist:

Murlikant Petkar made history in 1972 when he became the first Indian to win a gold medal at the Paralympic Games in Heidelberg, Germany. With a time of 37.33 seconds, he set a world record in the 50-meter freestyle swimming competition.

Multi-Sport Competitor:

Petkar was a multi-sport athlete who participated in shot put, table tennis, swimming, and javelin. Because of his varied skills, he was well-known in a number of Paralympic sports.

Recognition and Awards:

Even though his accomplishments weren't widely acknowledged at first, Petkar has now won various awards for his inspirational journey and his contributions to Indian sports. In 2018, he was bestowed with the Padma Shri.

Continued Involvement in Sports:

Petkar continued to be engaged in sports even after he stopped competing, frequently sharing his experiences and motivating aspiring sportsmen. His ongoing involvement in the sports world demonstrates his love and commitment to sports.

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