Murlikant Rajaram Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, expressed joy after learning that the Sports Ministry has recommended him for the Arjuna Award in the Lifetime category. Petkar won a gold medal in the 50m freestyle swimming event at the 1972 Paralympic Games in Heidelberg, Germany. For many years, his achievement went unrecognized due to the lack of attention towards para-sports. Petkar said receiving this honor fulfilled his final wish, as para-athletes were not considered for the Arjuna Award in those days.
