Pune, 11th December 2024: Muralikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist and Padma Shri awardee, was recently honored at a grand event in Doha, Qatar. The event, organized by the Indian Cultural Centre and Maharashtra Mandal Qatar, celebrated Petkar’s remarkable journey of resilience and triumph.
Petkar’s story is truly inspiring. Despite surviving eight bullet injuries during his time as an Indian Army soldier, he went on to win India’s first Paralympic gold medal at the 1972 Games in Heidelberg, Germany. His achievement continues to be a milestone in Indian sports history and a source of hope for many aspiring athletes.
The event, held at the prestigious Ashoka Hall, brought together dignitaries, ICC members, MMQ representatives, and leaders from the Indian community in Qatar. The program included warm welcomes from Nandini Abbagouni and anchoring by Amruta Patil, with heartfelt gratitude expressed by Subramanya Hebbagelu and Rakesh Wagh.
One of the highlights of the event was Petkar’s address to the Indian diaspora, where he shared his life experiences and encouraged young athletes to pursue excellence with determination. Accompanied by his son Arjun, who is involved in mentoring young sports talent, Petkar’s candid interaction provided valuable insights and inspired the audience to support future athletes.
During his visit to Qatar, Petkar visited the 321 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, where his achievements are proudly displayed. Expressing gratitude to Qatar’s sports authorities, Petkar stated, “It’s an honor to be recognized globally for my contributions to sports. This recognition motivates me to continue inspiring others.”
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Gargy Vaidya, acknowledging all those who made the evening memorable. Petkar’s legacy and impact on Indian sports were truly celebrated at this prestigious event in Qatar.
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