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In a deeply inspiring and emotional event, Shri Murlikant Rajaram Petkar, India’s first Paralympic Gold Medalist and a proud veteran of the Indian Army, visited the Army Paralympic Node (APN) at Bombay Engineer Group & Centre, Khadki, on 23 July 2025. His visit was a powerful tribute to the Indian Army’s enduring legacy of nurturing champions – both on the battlefield and in the sporting arena.
Murlikant Rajaram Petkar, who joined the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) in 1962 as a Craftsman, rose to prominence as a national-level boxer before sustaining injuries during the 1965 Indo-Pak War. Refusing to be held back, he transitioned to Para sports, achieving global recognition by winning the Gold Medal in the 50m Freestyle at the 1972 Summer Paralympics – a feat that etched his name in history.
The event marked a historic moment as Shri Murlikant Rajaram Petkar met Subedar Hokato Sema, Bronze Medalist in Sitting Shotput at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, and Subedar Soman Rana, Vishishta Seva Medal, a two-time Paralympian (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024). The interaction with fellow Army Para-athletes, many of whom train at the Army Paralympic Nodewas heart-warming and inspirational to all athletes.
The Indian Army has long been a cradle for world-class athletes, supported by cutting-edge training establishments and a robust ecosystem that blends physical excellence with indomitable spirit. This event reinforced the Indian Army’s commitment to training and empowering its wounded warriors to achieve excellence in sports and stood as a testament to its focus on rehabilitation through sports.
Shri Murlikant Rajaram Petkar, a recipient of the Padma Shri (2018) and the Arjuna Award for Lifetime Achievement (2025), was felicitated by Maj Gen Anurag Vij, GOC Dakshin Maharashtra & Goa Sub Area, for his remarkable contributions to the nation – both in uniform and beyond. The ceremony resonated with emotion and pride, capturing the essence of a hero’s homecoming.
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