The Champion

In 2017, an elderly Murlikant Petkar arrives at a local police station with a bold intention. He seeks to file a complaint against the President of India regarding the unawarded Arjuna Award for his contributions over the last 40 years.

Murli expresses his deep frustration, emphasizing how receiving the Arjuna Award could uplift his impoverished village. He draws a comparison to a nearby village that thrived after similar recognition, showcasing the potential impact of such an award.

The story flashes back to 1952, when a young Murli is inspired by KD Jadhav’s Olympic victory. Together with his brother Jagannath, they dream of greatness, amidst the backdrop of poverty that often dampens their ambitions.

In school, Murli is affectionately called 'Chandu Champion'. Despite the constant ridicule from peers about his Olympic dreams, he remains undeterred and committed to pursuing wrestling.

Determined to succeed, young Murli joins Ganpat Bhau's wrestling arena. However, he faces resistance from his father, who prioritizes academics over his other's wrestling ambitions, heightening Murli's passion to defy limits.

A pivotal moment occurs when Murli skips school to attend his first wrestling match. Against all odds, he wins against Daggu, sparking both excitement and dangerous repercussions from his family.

Faced with threats from his father, Murli's brother urges him to escape. During this tumultuous period, Murli serendipitously meets Garnail Singh, an Army boxer, on a train, setting him on an unexpected path.

Murli enlists in the Indian Army Corps of EME, where Major Uttam Singh influences him to pursue boxing instead of wrestling due to a lack of training opportunities. This shift sparks a new chapter in his athletic dreams.

Murli competes in the International Services Sports Meet in Tokyo in 1964, filled with ambition and enthusiasm. However, his focus wanes as he becomes distracted by journalist Nayantara, leading to a devastating loss.

During the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965, Murli faces a tragic turn of fate when he is severely injured, resulting in paralysis. This dark period tests his spirit and resilience like never before.

Years pass as Murli battles despair while recovering in an infirmary. His once-vibrant spirit dims as he becomes a shadow of his former self, grappling with the heavy burden of his circumstances.

A lottery win breathes new life into Murli's ambitions, leading him to refocus on training. With newfound vigor, he begins to contemplate returning to the competitive scene.

In 1972, under the encouragement of his coach, Murli makes a striking comeback at the Paralympics, securing a gold medal. His victory is bittersweet, however, overshadowed by the tragic Munich Olympics events of that year.

Years later, in 2017, Murli's past glory fades into obscurity until Inspector Kamble contacts a journalist to share his story. This revelation prompts a government official to propose the Padma Shri award as acknowledgment.

On 20 March 2018, Murlikant Petkar is ceremonially honored with the Padma Shri by the President of India, symbolizing recognition of his lifelong struggles and achievements. His journey embodies resilience against adversity, inspiring countless individuals.