Murlikant Petkar to Receive Arjuna Award for Lifetime Achievement
India's first Paralympic gold medalist honored 52 years after his historic win.
Source: GNews Padma AwardsMurlikant Petkar, India's first Paralympic gold medalist, will be awarded the Arjuna Award for lifetime achievement. This recognition comes 52 years after his historic win at the 1972 Heidelberg Paralympics. Petkar won gold in the 50m freestyle swimming event, setting a world record. His achievement marked a significant milestone for Indian sports and para-sports. The Arjuna Award is one of India's highest sporting honors, recognizing outstanding achievements in sports.
- Murlikant Petkar won India's first Paralympic gold medal in 1972.
- He achieved this feat in the 50m freestyle swimming event at the Heidelberg Paralympics.
- Petkar set a world record in his gold-winning performance.
- The Arjuna Award is being conferred upon him for lifetime achievement in sports.
- This award highlights his pioneering contribution to Indian para-sports.
The Arjuna Award is India's second-highest sporting honour, given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It recognizes outstanding achievement in national sports. The award includes a bronze statue of Arjuna, a certificate, a ceremonial dress, and a cash prize. It was instituted in 1961.
Murlikant Petkar is an Indian para-swimmer and javelin thrower. He is renowned for winning India's first-ever gold medal at the Paralympic Games in 1972. He served in the Indian Army and was injured during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, leading to his disability. He later excelled in various para-sports.
The Paralympic Games are a major international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities. They are governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). The Games are held every four years, following the Olympic Games, and include both Summer and Winter editions. The first official Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960.
Exams often ask about India's firsts in various fields, including sports. Key details like the year, event, and sport are important for such questions.
Remember 'Petkar' for 'Paralympic Pioneer' he was the first to get India a gold at the Paralympics.