Murlikant Petkar Urges Youth To Dream Big At Sports Unite 2.0 Conference In Pune

India's first Paralympic gold medalist, Padmashri Murlikant Petkar, urged the youth of India to dream big and aim to win at least one medal for the nation. He shared this message during the inauguration of the Sports Unite Conference 2.0 and the release of the conference souvenir, organised by the School of Physiotherapy and the Office of International Affairs at Bharati Vidyapeeth’s Dhankawadi academic complex. The event was graced by Vice Chancellor Dr Vivek Saoji, Executive Director of the Department of Health Sciences Dr Asmita Jagtap, Principal Dr Swati Bhise, and Director of the Office of International Affairs Dr Kirti Mahajan.

Petkar stated, "A happy life is the secret behind every success, and in my journey, alongside determination, perseverance and hard work, physiotherapy played a significant role in overcoming disability."

Over 500 delegates attended the conference, themed "Back to Sports," with international participation from countries including India, Nepal, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Clinton Watson from Australia conducted training sessions for the students, while experts such as Nital Tawde, Anuja Dalvi, Niranjan Pandit, Anand Gangwal and Amit Mahajan shared innovative insights on sports rehabilitation, nutrition and physiotherapy.

Dr Asmita Jagtap highlighted the importance of sports in acquiring physical fitness and fostering the sportsmanship necessary for life.

More than 100 research papers were presented, and under the special 'Sports PhysioGames' initiative, over 100 students from more than 10 physiotherapy colleges in Pune competed in badminton and football tournaments. The conference's success was supported by Dr Neeraj Athavale and Dr Rachna Dabadghav.