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The Fighter Par Excellence
achievements thereafter. When a sports meet for the physically challenge was organised in Mumbai, he won prizes in hammer throw, javeline throw and shot put. He also had the distinction of standing first in all the swimming events. In all he secured eight gold medals in the entire meet and was judged the best sportsman of the meet.
In august 1972, the 21st International Sports Meet was organised in the city of Heidelberg in West Germany. Murli not only participated in it but recorded magnificent achievements, thereby enhancing the reputation of his country. Before that he had held a record for 50 metres freestyle swimming with a timing of 38 seconds. He broke his own record at Heiadelberg and established a new world record of covering the distance with a timing of 3.73 seconds.
There is no disappointment or despair in the life of Murlikant Pethkar now. He does not experience any feeling of frustration or despondency. His face always glitters with happiness. It only reflects courage and confidence. He has so far secured more than 140 gold medals in national and international sports meets, the number of silver and bronze medals being countless. He has toured almost all regions of the world barring Africa, Russia and China. Although he has visited a number of countries of the world, he takes singular pride in being an Indian. A real son of the Indian soil indeed!
He is today a symbol of iron determination in all the spheres in which he participates, whether it is wrestling, tabletennis, swimming or any other event.
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