Chandu Champion real story, real life and how the movie chandu champion is made from that story will be discussed in this short blog.
Chandu Champion real story is based on Murlikant Petkar’s story, he is India’s first paralympic gold medalist from the year 1972.
Murlikant Petkar is also a Padma Shri recipient for his contribution to Paralympic sports.
Chandu Champion real story
Kabir khan has given a life to chandu champion real story of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first paralympic gold medalist and forgotten hero.
This is the story about grit, resilience and dedication towards achieving one’s dream and reaching the pinnacle of human potential.
Murlikant Petkar had served in Indian Army and was part of 1965 Indo-Pak war where he was shot and met with an accident leaving him disabled for life.
How he accepted disability but not disabled life is the chandu champion real story to watch.
How chandu champion real story inspired Kabir Khan to make a Movie?
Answering this question, Khan told India Today, “I consider myself so fortunate that it came to me because it’s just one of those most compelling underdog stories that you’ve ever heard. I felt that this story has to be told to this country because it’s a hero that we’ve completely forgotten. And when you see the film, you realize what all this person achieved and how he achieved it. It would be criminal if you did not celebrate him.”
Story of Chandu champion inspired the ultimate underdog story that can inspire all of us. Unfortunately, this Padmashri awardee has been forgotten with passage of time.
Who is Murlikant Petkar – Inspiration behind Chandu Champion?
Murlikant Petkar was born in Sangli, Maharashtra on 1st November 1944 to a middle class family.
He had taken great liking for sports and took up boxing as a hobby.
It is said that when he was young, he had beaten the Village Sarpanch’s son for that he received anger from all villagers.
Later on he ran away to join the Army, He served as a jawan in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) .
Murlikant Petekar’s Army Career and sports
He served as a jawan in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) and had great liking for sports.
He represented India in Boxing at the International Services Sports Meet 1964 held in Tokyo, Japan.
His life took an unprecedented change when he was part of 1965 Indo-Pak war, Murikant was stationed at Kashmir where there was a sudden air strike. Petkar sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was also run over by a car. He lost his memory and the accident left him physically disabled.
Murlikant Petkar makes history in Paralympic 1972
Petkar made history by winning gold medal in 50 meter freestyle swimming event and in fact setting a world record of 37.33 Seconds of that time. Amazing isn’t it?
He showed his sports prowess by reaching the finals of many games like slalom, javelin, and precision javelin throw.
Petkar’s medal tally includes 12 gold medals in international events, 34 gold medals at the national level and 40 gold medals at the state level.
To honor his contribution to Indian sports, he was awarded with Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in the year 2018. He has won many awards and accolades for his contribution to the glory of Indian sports.
What was Murlikant Petkar’s disability?
In 1965 Indo-Pak war Petkar sustained multiple gunshots and was run over by a car. Post this accident he was severely disabled and also lost his memory.
He spent years in hospitals for recovery, it was his physiotherapist who suggested he take up swimming as rehabilitation exercise.
Did you watched the movie yet? How was your experience?
