Legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh passed away late night on 18th June after fighting COVID-19 for a month. He had lost his wife and former national volleyball captain Nirmal Kaur just 5 days ago due to post-Covid complications. Milkha Singh was not even able to attend his wife’s funeral because he too was infected with coronavirus.
“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. ”his family announced in a statement.
According to the hospital authorities “He [Milkha Singh] was treated for Covid there till 13th June when after putting up a valiant battle with Covid, Milkha Singh Ji tested negative. However, due to post-Covid complications, he was shifted out of Covid Hospital to medical ICU. But despite best of the efforts by the medical team, Milkha Singh ji could not be retrieved from his critical condition and after a brave fight, he left for his heavenly abode at 11.30 pm on 18th June 2021 here at PGIMER.”
The Padma Shri awardee, who was nicknamed ‘The Flying Sikh’ for his accomplishments, is survived by his golfer son Jeev Milkha Singh and three daughters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary sprinter. “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,” PM 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,” he added in another tweet.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh expressed his condolences “Upset and saddened to hear of Milkha Singh Ji’s demise. It marks the end of an era and India & Punjab are poorer today. My condolences to the bereaved family and millions of fans. The legend of the Flying Sikh will reverberate for generations to come. Rest in peace Sir!” he tweeted.
Milkha Singh will always be remembered as a legend in the track and field. He won four gold medals at the Asian Games. He also won a gold medal at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff. He regretted his narrow miss on an Olympic medal in 400m final of the 1960 Rome Games. He finished fourth in that race in a time of 45.73 seconds. It remained a national record for nearly 40 years before Paramjeet Singh surpassed it in 1998. Milkha Singh also represented India in the 1956 and 1964 Olympics. He was awarded with Padma Shri in 1959.
His cremation will take place in Chandigarh on 19th June at 5 pm. with complete state honours.
