Initially this year
Maidaan, starring Ajay Devgn, was released and tells the story of a real-life Indian football team coach. There was Shimit Amin's Chak De India, starring Shah Rukh Khan and has become a cult favorite. These and other successful films cleared the door for filmmakers to tell the stories of unsung sportsmen who achieved great things but were forgotten over time. And this month on 14th June Chandu Champion, director-writer Kabir Khan gives tribute to one such unsung hero, Muralikant Petkar.
About Muralikant Petkar
Muralikant Petkar, was born in Maharashtra, and he was India's first paralympic bronze medal winner. Initially, he was bullied by friends who referred to him as "Chandu Champion". He joined a local akhada with the aim of becoming an Olympian. Despite his initial challenges, he wowed everyone by winning against a wealthy man's son in a wrestling match. But this sparked conflict in his area, prompting him to flee and join the Indian army.
Muralikant Petkar in Indian Army
Muralikant Petkar found it really difficult in the Indian army, but with his friend Karnail Singh made it easier. When he recognised that through the army's ability he could play in the Olympics. His passion led him to meeting Tiger Ali, an officer who trains boxers. Despite his wrestling background, Murali's persistence gained him a place in the International Military Games in Tokyo, thanks to Tiger Ali's encouragement. Murali wanted Tiger Ali to coach him, as he was hoping to use the Asian Games as a way to the Olympics, but was turned down because Ali questioned his talent.
While he was in the Indian Army, the Pakistan Air Force struck them while stationed in Kashmir, killing Karnail and seriously injuring Tiger Ali. Murali was wounded by nine gunshots, resulting in partial paralysis when he woke up two years later.
After starting swimming lessons, Tiger Ali, Murali's war-survivor coach, paid him a visit. Tiger Ali pushed wrestler Dara Singh, who went after the world championship title at the age of forty, as his idol. Tiger Ali inspired Murali to compete in the Paralympics, despite his doubts about his ability to represent his nation once more. Tiger Ali took over his swimming regimen and concentrated on the sport, which involved very little leg work. Murali and Tiger Ali saw the Black September attack on the Israeli team at the 1972 Munich Olympics, which claimed eleven lives. Murali hurt himself attempting to run from gunfire. The Munich Olympics were cancelled, but later that year, Heidelberg, Germany, was chosen to host the Paralympics.
Muralikant Petkar, who was once considered an underdog, created history by being the first Indian to swim for his country at the 1972 Heidelberg Paralympics. He competed despite sustaining a head injury in the semifinals because he was driven to inspire others and disprove his bullies. With the support of his coach, Tiger Ali, Murali took part in the championship race. He defeated all obstacles to win the gold medal, making his Sangli community and family proud. In addition to realising his dream, his triumph encouraged many others to pursue their passions in the face of adversity.
The Padma Shri was given to Muralikant Petkar in recognition of his services to Indian sports and his capacity to motivate people. Real-life footage of Muralikant accepting the prize from President Ram Nath Kovind in 2018 concludes the film. In the last moments of "Chandu Champion," Muralikant returns home to a hero's welcome that is evocative of the greeting bestowed to the first Indian Olympian. The fact that young children looked up to him fulfilled Muralikant's aim of being an inspiration to a generation.
Chandu Champion features Kartik Aaryan as India's first Paralympic gold medalist, Murlikant Petkar.
