Indian Cultural Centre and Maharashtra Mandal Qatar Honor Paralympic Legend Petkar
Pune, 11th December 2024: Padma Shri awardee and India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, Muralikant Petkar, was honored in a grand event organized by the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) and Maharashtra Mandal Qatar (MMQ) at the prestigious Ashoka Hall in Doha, Qatar. The event celebrated Petkar’s incredible journey of resilience and triumph, inspiring the Indian diaspora and sports enthusiasts alike.
Petkar’s story is one of extraordinary perseverance. A former Indian Army soldier, he survived eight bullet injuries during the war and went on to bring India its first Paralympic gold medal at the 1972 Games in Heidelberg, Germany. His achievement remains a milestone in Indian sports history and a beacon of hope for countless aspiring athletes.
The felicitation program saw a vibrant gathering of dignitaries, ICC members, MMQ representatives, and senior leaders from the Indian community in Qatar. Nandini Abbagouni, Head of Cultural Activities at ICC, warmly welcomed the audience, while MMQ MC Amruta Patil adeptly anchored the event.
ICC Vice President Subramanya Hebbagelu expressed heartfelt gratitude to Petkar for his role as a source of inspiration to Indian youth. MMQ President Rakesh Wagh highlighted the organization’s contributions to fostering cultural and social ties within the Indian community in Qatar.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Gargy Vaidya from ICC, acknowledging all those who made the evening memorable.
Petkar’s address to the Indian diaspora was a highlight of the event. Accompanied by his son, Arjun Petkar, who is actively engaged in mentoring young sports talent, Petkar shared his life experiences and encouraged the youth to pursue excellence with determination. Their candid interaction provided valuable insights and inspired the audience to support and nurture future athletes.
During his visit to Qatar, Petkar and his son toured the 321 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, where his achievements are proudly showcased. Expressing gratitude to Qatar’s Olympic and sports authorities, he said, “It’s an honor to be recognized globally for my contributions to sports. This recognition motivates me to continue inspiring others.”
