Known to all as ‘The Flying Sikh’, legendary sprinter Milkha Singh passed away because of COVID-19 complications at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research in Chandigarh
Since December 2019, the world has lost millions of people because of the deadly COVID-19/Coronavirus. Recently, India’s legendary sprinter Milkha Singh passed away because of COVID-19 complications at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research in Chandigarh. The sad news of Milkha Singh’s demise was confirmed by his family, who gave a few statements that read, “It is with extreme sadness that we would like to inform you that Milkha Singh Ji passed away at 11.30 pm. On the 18th of June 2021. He fought hard but God has his ways and it was perhaps true love and companionship that both our mother Nirmal ji and now Dad have passed away in a matter of 5 days. We are deeply indebted to the doctors at PGI for their valiant efforts and the love and prayers we received from across the world and from yourselves.”
Upon hearing the news, the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, tweeted: I had spoken to Shri Milkha Singh Ji just a few days ago. Little did I know that it would be our last conversation. Several budding athletes will derive strength from his life journey. My condolences to his family and many admirers all over the world. In the passing away of Shri Milkha Singh Ji, we have lost a colossal sportsperson, who captured the nation’s imagination and had a special place in the hearts of countless Indians. His inspiring personality endeared himself to millions. Anguished by his passing away.
Apart from Prime Minister Modi, several eminent personalities displayed their grief over various social media platforms. As a tribute to the gracious soul, we look back at Milkha Singh’s glittering career.
A Padma Shri awardee, Milkha Singh won four gold medals at the Asian Games. His first two gold medals came in 1958 in 200 metres and 400 metres sprint races. The same year, he won another gold medal at the
Commonwealth Games. He won the other two gold medals in 1962 in 400 metres and 4x400 metres relay runs. The Flying Sikh’s career highlight was his impeccable run at the 1960 Rome Olympics where he finished fourth and missed the bronze medal by 1/100th of a second. Not to forget, Milkha Singh was an athlete from the Indian army who retired as an Honorary Captain.
