Major General Cardozo (in picture) was a part of the first heliborne operation in Bangladesh in 1971.

Sixteen war-disabled army men will participate in 2019 Mumbai Marathon, scheduled to be held on January 20.

This will be the eighth time when 16 disabled army men will participate in the dream run of Mumbai Marathon this year, on Sunday.

Lieutenant General Vijay Oberoi (retd), who as a young Captain lost his right leg in the 1965 war with Pakistan, will lead the team.

Despite his disability, he rose steadily in the Army, and retired as Vice Chief of the Army Staff in 2001. Major General Ian Cardozo, known for amputating his own leg with a Khukri, will also be in attendance.

Lt General Oberoi said he "is overwhelmed by the welcome they get each year from Mumbaikars."

"An artiste needs appreciation," he added.

Lt General Oberoi also spoke about raising awareness about war-disabled army men as a social concern. "There are 10,000 war disabled army men in India. Through NGO War Wounded Foundation, we are taking jobs to their villages, developing their skills and constructing disable friendly latrine," he said

Major General Cardozo, who lost his leg to a land mine blast, said losing a limb is not the end. "I run with wooden legs and win races. That's how I found my place after the injury because I was ready to work hard for it," he told India Today TV.

Notably, Major General Cardozo was a part of the first heliborne operation in Bangladesh in 1971. They fought with more than 8,000 soldiers with a battalion of 5,400.

The group eagerly looks forward to taking part in the Mumbai Marathon.