Chandu Champion: The Incredible Journey of Murlikant Petkar

The name Murlikant Petkar may not ring a bell for many, but his story is one of unparalleled inspiration and perseverance. Born in Sangli, Maharashtra, Petkar's childhood dreams of achieving greatness in sports seemed improbable. Yet, his unwavering determination propelled him to heights that few could imagine. "Chandu Champion," a film starring Kartik Aaryan, brings this forgotten hero's story back to life, reminding us of his extraordinary journey to winning India’s first Paralympic gold medal in swimming. Murlikant Petkar's journey began in a small village akhada, where he was known as a puny 'pehelwan' with an indomitable spirit. From a young age, he aspired to bring honor to his country through sports. This ambition led him to join the Indian Army, where he trained to be a boxer and displayed exceptional talent. However, his dreams were abruptly interrupted by the 1965 war against Pakistan. Source: Google Images During the war, Petkar sustained severe injuries, including a bullet lodged in his spine, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. The life he knew, full of physical prowess and military discipline, was shattered. Forced to retire from the Army, he faced the grim reality of his new limitations. But Murlikant Petkar was not one to surrender to fate. Determined to continue pursuing his passion for sports, Petkar shifted his focus to swimming, a sport where his lower-body paralysis would not hinder his performance as much. Training with relentless dedication, he set his sights on the 1972 Summer Paralympics in Heidelberg, Germany. His journey was fraught with challenges, both physical and emotional. Against all odds, Murlikant Petkar made it to the Paralympics, where he competed in multiple events including swimming, javelin, precision javelin throw, and slalom. His crowning achievement came in the 50-meter freestyle swimming event, where he not only won the gold medal but also set a world record with a time of 37.33 seconds. His victory was not just a personal triumph; it was a moment of national pride, as he became the first Indian to win a Paralympic gold medal. Source: Google Images Kartik Aaryan's portrayal of Murlikant Petkar in "Chandu Champion" is both compelling and heartfelt. The film traces Petkar’s life from his days as a young wrestler in his village, through his Army training, and his near-victory as a boxer, to his incredible achievements as a Paralympic athlete. Aaryan’s performance captures the essence of Petkar’s spirit, making audiences root for the character through every high and low. Murlikant Petkar’s story is not just about winning a medal; it is about the relentless pursuit of a dream, the courage to defy expectations, and the will to transform adversity into victory. Through "Chandu Champion," audiences can witness the incredible life of a man who refused to let his circumstances define him and instead chose to rise above them, bringing glory to himself and his country.