Is Yoga a Sport? The Case for and Against Categorising It as Competitive Exercise

One of the key components of yoga is its physical activity and exercise aspect. Yoga involves performing a series of postures or asanas that aim to enhance strength, flexibility, and balance. These postures are designed to work different muscle groups, improve joint mobility, and promote overall physical fitness. Yoga is a practice that has been around for centuries, originating in ancient India.

Discover the Health Benefits of Exercise

Yoga is a practice that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual elements. It is not just a form of exercise but a holistic approach to overall well-being. Through its physical activity and exercise component, yoga enhances strength, flexibility, and balance.

  • Many athletes across a wide range of sports incorporate yoga into their training regimen to improve their physical performance and overall wellness.
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  • This is a fair point, but it’s worth noting that not all sports are competitive.
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  • Yogajala was founded in 2021 and is run by a group of yoga teachers and students who believe in sharing the knowledge of the ancient practice of yoga.
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  • The different branches and vast modern variations have caused the debate on whether yoga is a sport.
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  • After your first trimester, don’t do any poses that have you lying on your back.
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  • Yoga has a calming effect that can improve stress levels and sleep quality.

Yoga is not for you if you like a fast-moving, competitive workout. Be open-minded, since there are physical and mental benefits you can gain by adding some yoga into your fitness plan, even if it isn’t your main workout. As such, it can be practised by people of all ages and levels of fitness. If you’re interested in trying yoga, find a class or video suitable for your level and listen to your body as you go. Yoga is typically a calming and relaxing activity, but there is a competitive side to it.

Competitive Yoga Prioritises Physicality Over Mental and Spiritual Benefits

It helps individuals become more present and centered, fostering a sense of calmness and inner peace. Explore the of yoga and its , including the physical demands and mind-body connection. Dive into the debate on whether yoga qualifies as a sport and discover its , competitions, and professional athletes.

Make the commitment to yourself to take a certain number of classes per week. Dictionary.com defines a sport as “an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature.” That’s a good starting point! Some people think sports are just about running fast or lifting heavy things. But what about when you stand on one leg like a flamingo?

Proponents of including yoga among sports point out that there are plenty of traditional yogic techniques which require considerable effort and dedication to master. Asanas (yoga poses) may seem simple but often take months or even years for students to perfect their form. Ultimately then, the choice about whether or not to include yoga under ‘sports’ rests largely upon personal interpretation. For those looking for a more dynamic workout, Vinyasa Flow offers constant movement between poses using fluid transitions. This type of yoga requires aerobic energy along with concentration on proper alignment during various sequences of asanas.

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Yoga as Complementary Training

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In this article, we will delve into this question, debunking common myths and exploring the athletic benefits of yoga. When it comes to yoga, there is often a debate about whether it should be considered a form of exercise for fitness or a competitive sport. Yoga, once considered primarily a spiritual and meditative practice, has now evolved into a competitive sport, attracting a growing number of professional athletes and teams. These individuals and groups have dedicated their lives to mastering the art of yoga and have achieved remarkable success in various competitions and leagues. Yoga goes beyond the physical aspect and delves into the mind-body connection. The practice involves synchronizing breath with movement, allowing individuals to cultivate a deeper awareness of their breath and its effects on their physical and mental state.

She has a love for both teaching yoga and helping others.Brittany, who is RYT 200 certified by Yoga Alliance, is a lead instructor at Bulldog Yoga. Her unique brand of see this page approachability and energy endears her to everyone who takes her yoga classes. Every serious athlete knows the importance of taking time off.

Yoga is a complete workout that challenges and improves various aspects of physical fitness and conditioning. Through a combination of poses, breathing techniques, and meditation, yoga helps individuals develop strength, flexibility, and endurance. From ancient times, yoga has been referred to as a spiritual practice as it helps in combating all sorts of mental, physical & emotional issues. In the western world, people have started referring to yoga as a sports activity as just like any sports, it requires high-skill techniques & great strength.

Yogeshwar Dutt Phogat Olympics 2012 Player Profile, News, Medals

After his exploits at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2012 London Olympics, the government conferred on him the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, the highest sporting honour of India. Yogeshwar Dutt has been exceptional at both Commonwealth and Asian Championships, which feature the best wrestlers from commonwealth countries and Asian countries respectively. These meets are at the level of continental tournaments like World Championships for individual sports. His childhood was full of struggles and, he didn’t have proper necessaries to fulfill his living. He started wrestling at a very young age of 6 years from coach Ramphal.

He recently lost to Congress’s Induraj Narwal for the Baroda seat in Haryana by over 9,200 votes. #5 He represented India for the first time at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and participated in the 55 kg freestyle wrestling event and stood 18th. No need to find colleges you could try here in other sites, this is the best site in India to know about any colleges in India. In his first repechage round he went on to beat Franklin Gómez of Puerto Rico with a score of 1–0, 1–0. He got lucky against his opponent, winning the toss on both the occasions to earn a clinch position.

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Dutt was born to Ram Mehar Dutt and Sushila Devi and had one sibling Mukesh Dutt and, he is married to Sheetal Sharma. Throughout his long career, He has represented India at several multi-sports international meets. The Indian athlete has performed appreciably whether it is the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games or the Olympics. Born on 2nd November 1982, Yogeshwar Dutt is one of the finest freestyle wrestlers of India who have shown their skills in the sport at several national as well as international competitions.

The athlete has made the country proud on several occasions throughout his career.

Yogeshwar Dutt is an Indian wrestler who has emerged as one of the top wrestlers in India. He has won plenty of medals to become one of the most well-known wrestlers of his generation. Balraj Pehlwan, a wrestler of his native village, was his inspiration and thus he started wrestling from a very small age of 8 years. In the Summer Olympics of 2012, he contributed significantly in the medal collections of India.

He also has contributed his vital participation to „Haryana Hammers“, one of the six playing teams of PWL (Pro Wrestling League) of 2015. Earlier, Yogeshwar qualified for the 2012 Olympics by winning a silver medal at an Asian qualification tournament in Astana, Kazakhstan where he lost to Iranian Masoud Esmaeilpour (2–3, 0–1) in the final. #2 He started wrestling at the young age of 8 years and was inspired by Balraj Pehlwan – who belonged to his native village.

He is an idol for thousands of people in India and, he has a massive impact on the youngsters. Yogeshwar Dutt will be representing India at Rio Olympics 2016 in the 65 kg freestyle category after securing his quota at the Asian Olympic qualifier at Astana in Kazakhstan. Dutt is one of India’s biggest prospects to bag a medal at the Games which will commence on 6th August in Rio. The 33-year-old had won the bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics in Men’s 60 kg freestyle category. Moreover, he was also recognized for bringing attention to the sport of wrestling and inspiring the youth to take up sports as a career.

Yogeshwar Dutt first made his presence felt by doing well in the Indian National Championships in 1998 and then went on to win the gold medal in the Commonwealth Championships in 2003. I am an English Honours graduate from Delhi University and writing is my passion. My characters are clever and fearless, but in real life, I am afraid of basements, bees, and going upstairs when it is dark behind. I have 2+ years of experience in this field and have worked with several websites as an intern. Yogeshwar posts things related to his personal life, training, fitness, matches, etc., on his account. Being an athlete, Dutt knows the actual requirements of the people and their needs.

  • Yogeshwar has been honored with several awards from the Government of India for his outstanding performance in sports.
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  • Yogeshwar’s performances at the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and 2014 were absolutely commendable.
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  • He became only the third Indian wrestler to win an Olympic medal after KD Jadhav (2008) and Sushil Kumar (2012).
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  • Dutt was born to Ram Mehar Dutt and Sushila Devi and had one sibling Mukesh Dutt and, he is married to Sheetal Sharma.
  • The wrestler has three golds and two silver medals at the Commonwealth Championships as well.
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  • No need to find colleges in other sites, this is the best site in India to know about any colleges in India.
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Yogeshwar then scored 7–5 to beat Masoud Esmaeilpour with an aggregate of counted points 3–1 in Repechage Round 2. Esmaeilpour had beaten Yogeshwar at the Asian qualifications earlier that year. At the Olympics he lost to the Russian B Kudukhov 1–0, 2–0 and was knocked out in the pre-quarterfinal round.

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Yogeshwar’s performances at the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and 2014 were absolutely commendable. During the 2010 Delhi Games, in front of the capacity home crowd, Dutt overcame a serious knee injury to clinch a gold medal in the 60kg freestyle event. He is one of the few athletes to have won an individual medal at the Olympic Games. The Haryana-born wrestler has been conferred with various awards as well, for bringing glory to the nation. The medal holds special significance for him as his father had passed away just a few days before he left for the meet.

When you look back in life , this app would have played a huge role in laying the foundation of your career decisions.

Yogeshwar Dutt Biography Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements

He marked his victory in the 30th Olympic Games, hosted by London, by earning a Bronze Medal in the men`s freestyle 60 kg category. It was only the third time in history that an Indian wrester won a medal at the Olympics. Yogeshwar Dutt next represented India at the 2014 Commonwealth Games held in Scotland and won Gold Medal in the 65 kg freestyle category.

Commonwealth Games

Despite all the emotional and physical trauma, he made his country proud by winning the bronze medal in the 60 kg category in wrestling at the Games. Yogeshwar is a freestyle wrestler who hails from India and is one of those few wrestlers from India who has won a medal in the Olympics. Yogeshwar has been honored with several awards from the Government of India for his outstanding performance in sports. He is one of those people who has made our country proud by winning several medals at the international level.

Yogeshwar Dutt’s Journey from Haryana to Olympics – The Inspiration Wrestlers Need

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  • I am an English Honours graduate from Delhi University and writing is my passion.
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  • At the Olympics he lost to the Russian B Kudukhov 1–0, 2–0 and was knocked out in the pre-quarterfinal round.
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  • He got lucky against his opponent, winning the toss on both the occasions to earn a clinch position.
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  • He marked his victory in the 30th Olympic Games, hosted by London, by earning a Bronze Medal in the men`s freestyle 60 kg category.
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  • Dutt’s life journey is full of inspiration and, there is a lot to learn from it.
  • Born on 2nd November 1982, Yogeshwar Dutt is one of the finest freestyle wrestlers of India who have shown their skills in the sport at several national as well as international competitions.

Let’s get to know the story of this excellent man who has shown his capability to the entire world. Winning an Olympic bronze is by far Yogeshwar’s biggest you could try here achievement on the international stage. He became only the third Indian wrestler to win an Olympic medal after KD Jadhav (2008) and Sushil Kumar (2012). He overcame North Korean Ri Jong-myong in the bronze medal bout in the 60kg freestyle category.

Moreover, during the course of the 60kg freestyle event, he sustained a terrible knee injury. However, the wrestler went on to win the bronze in incredible fashion. He has won two gold medals in Asian Championships, in 2008 and 2012, both in 60kg freestyle wrestling.

The wrestler has three golds and two silver medals at the Commonwealth Championships as well. Dutt is one of those rare gems of India who has made his country proud. This man is a true inspiration for all the budding wrestlers who wanted to achieve something on the international platform. Dutt’s life journey is full of inspiration and, there is a lot to learn from it.

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Yogeshwar Dutt – Awards and Achievements

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He has also been awarded with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2012. He was awarded the Padma Shri Award by the Government of India in 2013. #4 He had lost his father just nine days before boarding the flight for the 2006 Asian Games which was held in Doha, and had also suffered a knee injury.

Thanks to his efforts, India was able to add another medal to their tally of six overall. His bronze medal was the last of the four bronzes India managed on top of two silver medals. Later in 2014, during the Incheon Games, he went two steps better and secured his first Asian Games gold in the 65kg freestyle event. Dutt secured the gold by defeating Zalimkhan Yusupov of Tajikistan in the final. The Government of India rightly recognized the Haryana-born wrestler for his immense contribution to sports. Yogeshwar Dutt received the Arjuna Award in 2009 for wrestling.

Yogeshwar Dutts Journey from Haryana to Olympics The Inspiration Wrestlers Need

Let’s get to know the story of this excellent man who has shown his capability to the entire world. Winning an Olympic bronze is by far Yogeshwar’s biggest achievement on the international stage. He became only the third Indian wrestler to win an Olympic medal after KD Jadhav (2008) and Sushil Kumar (2012). He overcame North Korean Ri Jong-myong in the bronze medal bout in the 60kg freestyle category.

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  • He recently lost to Congress’s Induraj Narwal for the Baroda seat in Haryana by over 9,200 votes.
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  • After his exploits at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2012 London Olympics, the government conferred on him the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, the highest sporting honour of India.
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  • He started wrestling at a very young age of 6 years from coach Ramphal.
  • The medal holds special significance for him as his father had passed away just a few days before he left for the meet.
  • #5 He represented India for the first time at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and participated in the 55 kg freestyle wrestling event and stood 18th.
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  • Moreover, during the course of the 60kg freestyle event, he sustained a terrible knee injury.
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He marked his victory in the 30th Olympic Games, hosted by London, by earning a Bronze Medal in the men`s freestyle 60 kg category. It was only the third time in history that an Indian wrester won a medal at the Olympics. Yogeshwar Dutt next represented India at the 2014 Commonwealth Games held in Scotland and won Gold Medal in the 65 kg freestyle category.

Yogeshwar was conferred the Padma Shri award in 2013, which is the fourth-highest civilian award in the country. He had defeated North Korean Ri Jong-Myong in the bronze medal bout thus winning the fifth medal for Indian contingent at the London Olympics 2012. #6 He won the gold medal at the 2008 Asian Championships in South Korea to book a berth for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, where he was ranked 9th in the 60 kg freestyle event.

Dutt was born to Ram Mehar Dutt and Sushila Devi and had one sibling Mukesh Dutt and, he is married to Sheetal Sharma. Throughout his long career, He has represented India at several multi-sports international meets. The Indian athlete has performed appreciably whether it is the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games or the Olympics. Born on 2nd November 1982, Yogeshwar Dutt is one of the finest freestyle wrestlers of India who have shown their skills in the sport at several national as well as international competitions.

Gold medal in 2014 Asian Games

He got a chance to contest in the repechage rounds as Kudukhov reached the finals of the event. Yogeshwar calls him a true nationalist and, he loves to serve his nation in every possible way. #3 He was awarded with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award by the Government of India in 2012. At the London Olympics, India would be looking for another stupendous feat from Yogeshwar, who performed creditably in the Beijing Olympics and had secured the fifth place in the 2006 World championship. Yogeshwar had to be content with the silver after losing the 60kg final to Iranian Mahmoud Masoud Esmaeilpour Jouybari (2-3, 0-1).

Yogeshwar Dutt Success Story – Political Career

Thanks to his efforts, India was able to add another medal to their tally of six overall. His bronze medal was the last of the four bronzes India managed on top of two silver medals. Later in 2014, during the Incheon Games, he went two steps better and secured his first Asian Games gold in the 65kg freestyle event. Dutt secured the gold by defeating Zalimkhan Yusupov of Tajikistan in the final. The Government of India rightly recognized the Haryana-born wrestler for his immense contribution to sports. Yogeshwar Dutt received the Arjuna Award in 2009 for wrestling.

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Moreover, during the course of the 60kg freestyle event, he sustained a terrible knee injury. However, the wrestler went on to win the bronze in incredible fashion. He has won two gold medals in Asian Championships, in 2008 and 2012, both in 60kg freestyle wrestling.

The wrestler has three golds and two silver medals at the Commonwealth Championships as well. Dutt is one of those rare gems of India who has made his country proud. This man is a true inspiration for all the budding wrestlers who wanted to achieve something on the international platform. Dutt’s life journey is full of inspiration and, there is a lot to learn from it.

Despite all the emotional and physical trauma, he made his country proud by winning the bronze medal in the 60 kg category in wrestling at the Games. Yogeshwar is a freestyle wrestler who hails from India and is one of those few wrestlers from India who has won a medal in the Olympics. Yogeshwar has been honored with several awards from the Government of India for his outstanding performance in sports. He is one of those people who you could try here has made our country proud by winning several medals at the international level.

He has also been awarded with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2012. He was awarded the Padma Shri Award by the Government of India in 2013. #4 He had lost his father just nine days before boarding the flight for the 2006 Asian Games which was held in Doha, and had also suffered a knee injury.

Meet Murlikant Petkar: The athlete who inspired Kartik Aaryan’s Chandu Champion and Sushant Singh Rajput

It was almost impossible to curb his limitations, as he walked into the Boys Battalion of the Indian Army in Pune with little-to-nothing as personal property. He had a natural gift for boxing, moving up the ranks and getting the national title in 1965. Residing in Thergaon, Pune, in a quaint location with his son Arjun, his spouse and kids, Petkar lives a life of complete simplicity. His enthusiasm for revisiting the past is matched by his friendliness to The Field’s crew who sat down with him for a trip down memory lane. Kabir Khan has likely touched upon Petkar’s disappointment with the government as the trailer shows an aged Kartik Aaryan laying out his medals and demanding to file a case against the President of India. He soon made waves in competitions and was selected to represent India internationally.

Murlikant went on to participate in the 1968 Paralympics and reached the finals in javelin throw and slalom racing along with bagging a gold in the 1972 games. He also clinched a gold medal at the 1970 Commonwealth Paraplegic Games at Edinburgh, Scotland. The era was replete with a lack of infrastructural support for para athletes, but Murlikant chose to persevere no matter what. “There was not much support for persons with disabilities in the society but we continued to work hard and participate in events as we wanted to prove that we were capable of representing the country and winning medals.

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  • On returning to his base in Secunderabad, his commandant arranged for him a visit to Jammu and Kashmir as a reward for his brilliant performance.
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  • His remarkable resilience and athletic ability serve as a true inspiration.
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  • His enthusiasm for revisiting the past is matched by his friendliness to The Field’s crew who sat down with him for a trip down memory lane.
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  • Murlikant Petkar is not just India’s first Paralympic gold medalist but a true trailblazer who overcame immense personal challenges to achieve global success.
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  • India’s first Paralympic Gold Medalist 🏅, on being honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award (Lifetime) by the Sports Ministry of India.
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  • His world record time of 37.33 seconds in the 50-meter freestyle, though the category is no longer recognised, remains unbeaten.

Multi-faceted in every sense of the term, Murlikant Petkar started off pursuing his first love, boxing. Preparation was a long and demanding process, but his determination never faltered. „Fear has no place in a soldier’s life,“ Petkar says, in an interview with The Economic Times. „I never felt any fear. I wanted to fight for my country and do something I could be proud of.“

Story of Murlikant Petkar A war hero & India’s First Paralympic Gold Medalist

Training nearly every day for the next four years, Murlikant Petkar was once again chosen to be part of the squad India fielded for the Paralympics, this time held in Heidelberg, Germany. With poor coordination, the operation failed, but it also sparked the biggest war India had seen since Independence 18 years prior. The Indo-Pakistan war of 1965 saw India launch a full-scale military attack in retaliation. It was the world’s largest tank battle since the Second World War, and saw nearly 3000 Indian casualties.

Looking back, he acknowledges the challenges he faced but emphasizes the importance of perseverance. „In India, sport for the handicapped or the disabled wasn’t much known then and it wasn’t easy,“ he says. Today, Petkar is an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a symbol of hope for those facing challenges. „It involved a huge amount of hard work,“ Petkar recalls, „and it was all about passion and determination to not give up. The will to do something for the country helped me, I think.“ His dedication paid off.

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Petkar’s story is one of the resilience and hardship of a boy from rural Maharashtra who set pulses racing with his masterful achievements in the swimming pool and gained tremendous adulation in the immediate aftermath of his Paralympic Games triumph. Before he was discharged from service in 1969, he had participated in the Maharashtra State Athletic Meet in 1967 and became state champion in shot put, javelin throw, discuss throw, table tennis and archery. Karnam Malleswari won bronze medal for India in 2000 Olympics and became first Indian women to win an olympics medal.

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Meet Murlikant Petkar: The athlete who inspired Kartik Aaryan and Sushant Singh Rajput

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Athletic as a youngster, he grew up striving to achieve something for his country. But I do believe that this award would inspire other para-athletes,” the humble paralympian told The New India Express. Portraying the legendary Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, Aaryan went through an intense physical transformation, pushing himself beyond limits to embody the spirit of a true champion.

Rendered disabled for life, he was moved to INHS Asvini, the Navy hospital in Mumbai (then Bombay) where he was asked by the physiotherapist to take up swimming as part of the rehabilitation programme. On that visit to participate in the Stoke Mandeville International Games, Petkar, and other members of the Indian team were bewildered by the facilities provided for disabled athletes. Milkha Singh lived till 91, yet his legend and legacy will live on forever. Although he won India’s first ever Olympic/Paralympic medal and set image source a world record, Petkar missed out on the glory others after him received – India did not start keeping official records until 1984, and Petkar’s remained unrecognized.

From jaws of death to Olympics: Story of India’s first Paralympic gold medallist Murlikant Petkar

Even before the debilitating encounter in the 1965 war, he would participate in sports. He was selected to represent India in boxing at the International Services Sports Meet at Tokyo in 1964. Petkar was felicitated last year by Indian cricketing icon Rahul Dravid at the launch of former Indian shuttler Sanjay Sharma’s book on Indian athletes who overcame disability. But barring that one evening, it appears many have forgotten the mammoth achievements, both on the field and off, of a young Indian war hero who gave the country his all. Petkar was proficient at many sports – javelin, shot put, swimming, wrestling, boxing.

They encouraged me a lot and supported me in my quest to become the best in my chosen field,” says Petkar. „I had never thought I would get a Padma. I don’t know who nominated me for this honour. But I do believe that this award would inspire other para-athletes,“ said Petkar, who is mostly wheelchair bound. Petkar was conferred with Maharashtra’s highest sporting award — the Shiv Chhatrapati Award — by the state government in 1975.

Meet Murlikant Petkar: The athlete who inspired Kartik Aaryan and Sushant Singh Rajput

Here is a list of most important milestones in the history of Indian sports development. Moving forward, this blog contains the next 5 achievements of India after independence in sports. Born on November 1, 1947, at Peth Islampur in Sangli district of what is now Maharashtra, Petkar has been a sportsman from childhood.

Adapting to his new reality, Murlikant switched from boxing to swimming and other sports, embarking on a journey that would eventually lead him to global recognition. Petkar, who was 28 when he won the historic gold medal, took to the swimming pool in times when disabled people did not get much support from the government and society. He was advised to participate in sports to speed up his rehabilitation after suffering the injury. In 1972, at the Heidelberg Paralympics, Germany, Murlikant wrote his name in sporting history as he clinched the nation’s first-ever Paralympic gold medal in the 50m freestyle swimming event, setting a world record of 37.33 seconds.

Athletics in India

He has won the General Championship Cup for 5 consecutive years ( ). He bagged Gold in 50M Freestyle Swimming at the 3rd Commonwealth Paraplegic Games held at Edinburgh, Scotland. At the same event, he also won Silver in Javelin Throw and Bronze in Shot-put. “I was out for tea in the afternoon when a while was blown to indicate an aerial attack. I tried to rush back to my room but firing had already started,” recollects Petkar, who received multiple bullet injuries and was also run over by an army vehicle in the chaos.

In this article, we will delve into the lives and achievements of some of India’s most iconic athletes, who have left an indelible mark on the world of sports. Born on November 1, 1947, at Peth Islampur in Sangli district, Maharashtra. Left crippled by war, Petkar resolutely refused to give up, choosing to pursue his sporting career with a renewed vigour and passion, even more so than before he sustained life-changing injuries. Fighting on the frontlines was Petkar, then a private-jawan in the Indian Army. Seriously injured in the firing, he sustained severe bullet wounds that all but ended the sporting aspirations of the former Electronics and Mechanical Engineering branch (EME) Secunderabad boxer.

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  • They gifted me the latest wheelchair and nice clothes and a lot of things.
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  • Before him, Sushant Singh Rajput was selected in 2016 to play the role.
  • On January 17, at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, Murlikant Petkar was conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award for Lifetime Achievement.
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  • Their wheelchairs were made of metal and very sturdy and smooth whereas what we had were three-wheeled wooden contraptions,” adds Petkar.
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  • Despite the odds, Murlikant Petkar, the soldier turned athlete not only defied limitations but paved the way for a brighter future for Paralympic sports in India.
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  • Achievements of India at Asian games 1982, We won 13 Gold, 19 Silver and 25 Bronze in an overall total of 57 medals.
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Despite the odds, Murlikant Petkar, the soldier turned athlete not only defied limitations but paved the way for a brighter future for Paralympic sports in India. Petkar’s 1972 image source victory was a watershed moment for Indian Paralympic sports. In a country where disability sport was largely unknown, it gained recognition and respect from the people. Born in 1944 in Sangli, Maharashtra, Petkar’s life took a dramatic turn during India’s 1965 war against Pakistan.

A soldier in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), Petkar was severely injured during an attack. His efforts were finally recognised in 2018, when he was awarded the Padma Shri by the government of India. On January 17, at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, Murlikant Petkar was conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award for Lifetime Achievement. All it takes is a simple question and he will break into countless stories about his past. It’s fascinating to listen to him speak about his achievements as though they were a given, because he felt he was always destined for greatness. Before Jhajharia and Abhinav Bindra, this man achieved a historic first for India at the 1972 Paralympics in Heidelberg, Germany.

Meet Muralikant Petkar: The Man Who Launched Billion Indian Dreams In Paralympics

His world record of 37.33 seconds in image source the 50-metre freestyle swimming still stands (although that specific category doesn’t exist anymore). “When he heard that my father was in a coma for one-and-a-half years after he suffered bullet injuries to the chest, spine and leg, Sushant said he was amazed by the courage, patience and patriotism displayed by my father,“ Arjun said. Arjun Petkar, Murlikant Petkar’s son, told The Indian Express that Sushant was floored by his father’s achievements and wanted to play him on-screen in his biopic. He started swimming to regain strength and recover from his injuries.

  • Not just that, he is the first Indian to win an individual gold medal in either Paralympics or Olympics.
  • „I made a bundle of all my certificates and medals and stashed them away, resolving never to make any application for any award again,“ Petkar told IANS.
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  • Portraying the legendary Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, Aaryan went through an intense physical transformation, pushing himself beyond limits to embody the spirit of a true champion.
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  • A soldier in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), Petkar was severely injured during an attack.
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  • He had a natural gift for boxing, moving up the ranks and getting the national title in 1965.
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  • “The doctors at INHS Asvini were a great help and so was my Commandant, who always stood by me.
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Indo-Pakistan War

When his army camp came under aerialfiring from Pakistani troops, he was left with multiple bullet wounds and was also run over by an army vehicle. Murlikant’s promising boxing career took a dramatic turn during the 1965 Indo-Pak war when he sustained severe bullet wounds that left him disabled. However, this setback did not diminish his passion for sports; instead, it fueled his determination to excel in other arenas.

Awards and Accomplishments

It was the first time that we realised that there are separate courts for disabled athletes and also that they were a bit different from those for the able-bodied. Their wheelchairs were made of metal and very sturdy and smooth whereas what we had were three-wheeled wooden contraptions,” adds Petkar. Murlikant’s early life was marked by a deep love for sports, particularly boxing. His talent in the ring soon caught the attention of the Indian Army, and he was recruited as a jawan of the craftsman rank in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME).

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In 1982, when his application for the Arjuna Award was rejected by the government, he decided never to apply for any award. „I made a bundle of all my certificates and medals and stashed them away, resolving never to make any application for any award again,“ Petkar told IANS. The athlete told The Indian Express, “One bullet still remains lodged in my spine as a reminder.

I trained harder and participated in the Paralympics after doing well at the national level,” he told Procaffenation. Aceing whatever challenges life gave threw at him, Petkar used all available resources to train in the sport and attain glory through it. In 2023, a biopic titled ‘Chandu Champion’ was announced, based on the life of Murlikant Petkar. Before him, Sushant Singh Rajput was selected in 2016 to play the role.

Know Your Legend: Murlikant Petkar was Indias first Paralympic gold medalist

He also won a silver medal in Javelin Throw and a bronze medal in Shot-put at the same event. But that wasn’t the end of his story; it was merely the first chapter in the rise of India’s first Paralympic gold medallist. But this epilogue befits a certain former athlete who has gone through pretty much the exact same process minus the recognition – India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, Murlikant Petkar. Not just that, he is the first Indian to win an individual gold medal in either Paralympics or Olympics.

Petkar also participated in javelin throw and precision javelin throw where he reached the finals. “There was not much support for disabled people in the society but we continued to work hard and participate in events as we wanted to prove that we were capable of representing the country and winning medals. I always believed in myself,” says Petkar, who participated in two editions of the Paralympic Games – the Tel Aviv 1968 and Heidelberg 1972. Beyond swimming, Petkar demonstrated his versatility by participating in javelin, precision javelin throw, and slalom events at the same games, reaching the finals in all three disciplines. Murlikant also represented India in table tennis at the 1968 Summer Paralympics, where he advanced past the first round.

Story

Despite winning many medals and putting the country on the global map, Petkar was not recognised by the Government of India until 2018, when he was honoured with Padma Shree. There were some North Indians in Heidelberg and they were ecstatic and proud seeing an Indian winning a gold medal. image source They gifted me the latest wheelchair and nice clothes and a lot of things. “In London, they had beautiful and well-equipped infrastructure – separate tennis facilities, volleyball courts, dedicated coaches and support staff.

Meet Murlikant Petkar, the pioneering athlete who won India’s first Paralympic gold

He practiced each and every one of those sports with only a stump for an arm, and still battling through the pain of his war wounds. That year, he participated in table tennis, and notched first-round wins before being knocked out of the tournament. He has won laurels for the country on the playing field and the battlefield.

Murlikant Petkar joined the Indian Army as a private or jawan of the craftsman rank in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) at a very young age. After joining the army, he started participating in various service sports meet. Films on athletes or landmark sporting events, if made well, create unforgettable experiences for the audience as they experience the emotions of triumph, defeat, and perseverance. ‚Chandu Champion‘, the upcoming sports drama by Kabir Khan, the director who gave films like ‚Ek Tha Tiger‘, ‚Bajrangi Bhaijaan‘, and ’83‘, looks forward to instilling the same emotions in the audience on June 14. Following his illustrious sports career, Murlikant was employed by TELCO in Pune, where he continued to inspire others with his story of courage and perseverance.

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His contributions to sports and his remarkable achievements were recognized by the Government of India in 2018 when he was awarded the Padma Shri, one of the country’s highest civilian honors. India has always given birth to courageous warriors and elite athletes. One of the most prominent names among that list is Murlikant Petkar. Murlikant Petkar is one of the best swimmers in the history of this country.

He finished his sporting career with four international swimming medals. Ever since, sadly, he has faded into obscurity, and eventually shifted base to Pune, Maharashtra, where he used his mechanical engineering skills in his job with TELCO. During his tenure in the army, he even became the state champion in table tennis, javelin throw, shot put, discus throw and archery. In 1972, Murlikant Petkar won India its first-ever Paralympic gold medal in Heidelberg, Germany, for the 50 m freestyle swimming.

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  • This tragic event left him paralyzed from the waist down for life, with a bullet still lodged in his spine.
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  • He bagged Gold in 50M Freestyle Swimming at the 3rd Commonwealth Paraplegic Games held at Edinburgh, Scotland.
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  • In the summer Paralympics of 1968, Murlikant represented the country in table tennis and cleared the first round.
  • Left crippled by war, Petkar resolutely refused to give up, choosing to pursue his sporting career with a renewed vigour and passion, even more so than before he sustained life-changing injuries.
  • Then, four years later, at the 1972 Paralympics, Petkar made history as the first Indian to secure a gold medal at any level of the Olympics.
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  • „I made a bundle of all my certificates and medals and stashed them away, resolving never to make any application for any award again. Then, on January 25 this year, I got a call from the government that I had been shortlisted for the Padma Shri,“ he said.
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The legendary swimmer finally got due recognition from the government when he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2018. But Murlikant Rajaram Petkar, 71, quickly shook off the flashback and stood upright in front of the President, greeting him in military style. The crutches tied to his forearms prevented him from offering a cracking salute to the Supreme Commander of the Indian armed forces.

At the 1972 Summer Paralympics in Heidelberg, Germany, Murlikant made history by winning India’s first-ever Paralympic gold medal. He triumphed in the 50-meter freestyle swimming event, setting a world record with a time of 37.33 seconds, a remarkable achievement that still echoes in the annals of Indian sports. Back then, he had set a world record of blazing across the waters in an impressive 37.33 seconds. He tried to rush back to his room but the firing had already started.