The Untold Journey of a Forgotten Champion

With nine bullet wounds (one still lodged in his body), a career spanning three different sports, and an unyielding resolve to achieve his dream of Olympic gold, Muralikant Petkar became India's first Paralympian to secure a gold medal. Yet, it took 45 years for his homeland to fully recognize his remarkable achievement. This incredible journey is at the heart of ‘Chandu Champion’, a heartfelt biographical sports drama that brings to light the inspiring journey of Muralikant. Released worldwide on 14 June 2024, directed by Kabir Khan and starring Kartik Aaryan in the titular role, the film beautifully captures Petkar's life of resilience and determination.As of the 2020 Summer Olympics, the US has won 2,523 medals and China 2,048 since their debut. However, despite a population of 1.39 billion, India has historically struggled to secure Olympic medals, with only 28 since 1900. In contrast, India's Paralympic athletes have achieved greater success, winning 77 medals since 1968. India's Olympic performance is often hindered by limited government funding, inadequate sports infrastructure, and a lack of emphasis on sports at the grassroots level. Additionally, many Indian athletes face difficulties in accessing quality training facilities, coaching, and nutrition, making it challenging for them to compete with athletes from more developed nations. The film does not shy away from highlighting the broader context of India's sporting landscape..Amidst such odds, Murlikant won a gold medal at the 1972 Summer Paralympics in Heidelberg, Germany, setting a world record in the 50m freestyle swimming event with a time of 37.33 seconds. Additionally, he competed in javelin, precision javelin throw, and slalom, reaching the finals in all three events. Despite these achievements, the film opens with the 75-year-old Petkar filing an FIR against the President of India for not being recognised with the Arjuna Award.The narrative begins with a turbulent phase in Petkar's youth, compelling him to join the Indian Army Corps of EME, where he discovers his talent for boxing. Despite a promising start at the 1964 International Services Sports Meet in Tokyo, a lapse in focus costs him the final match, leading his coach, Tiger Ali (brilliantly portrayed by Vijay Raaz), to abandon him. This setback, however, is only the beginning of Petkar's extraordinary story.The film delves into the 1965 Indo-Pakistani war, where Petkar suffers severe spinal injuries during an air attack, resulting in paraplegia. Faced with the harsh reality of his condition and the loss of his Olympic dreams, Petkar contemplates suicide. However, a visit from his former coach reignites his fighting spirit, pushing him to compete in the Paralympics. By 1972, Petkar's relentless efforts bear fruit, as he qualifies for the Summer Paralympics in the 50m freestyle swimming event. Despite the turmoil caused by the Palestinian terrorist attack on the Munich Olympics, Petkar perseveres. His determination culminates in a gold medal victory and a new world record, bringing immense pride to his village..In India, cricket dominates as a symbol of national pride, often overshadowing athletes from other sports, including Paralympians. Cricket enjoys massive fan support and extensive media coverage, while Paralympic sports receive little attention or support. This recognition gap is due to factors like inadequate marketing, poor infrastructure, and societal preferences for able-bodied sports. Without a concerted effort to shift focus, Paralympic athletes like Devendra Jhajharia and Sharad Rao will continue to be overlooked. Girisha Hosanagara Nagarajegowda, a silver medallist in the F42 high jump at the 2012 Paralympics, highlighted this issue in an interview with The New Indian Express. He noted that despite their successes, para-athletes receive far less corporate support and recognition than able-bodied athletes. Unlike sports stars such as Saina Nehwal, Abhinav Bindra, and PV Sindhu, para-athletes lack sponsorships and are even ineligible for the Khel Ratna award. ‘Until we are taken seriously, we will always be seen as the poorer cousins of the Olympians’, Girisha remarked.The film also addresses the systemic issues that hinder India's Olympic performance, such as limited government support, inadequate infrastructure for sports, and societal attitudes that prioritize able-bodied sports. Petkar's struggle for recognition, culminating in his eventual receipt of the Padma Shri in 2018, serves as a powerful commentary on the need for greater support and acknowledgment of Paralympic athletes.Kartik Aaryan's portrayal of Petkar is both heartfelt and compelling, capturing the essence of a man whose indomitable spirit overcame immense adversity. The film's emotionally charged scenes are complemented by a versatile soundtrack composed by Pritam, with energetic and emotional tracks that have topped music charts.‘Chandu Champion’ is a poignant tribute to Muralikant Petkar's extraordinary life. It celebrates his perseverance and serves as a reminder of the forgotten heroes whose stories deserve to be told. The film stands as a testament to the power of the human spirit and the need for greater recognition of all athletes, regardless of the challenges they face.