Flying Sikh Milkha Singh is no more, his health deteriorated after being infected with Corona

Legendary sprinter Milkha Singh, popularly known as the ‘Flying Sikh’ of India, died in Chandigarh late Friday at 11:30 pm after battling corona infection for a month. Earlier on Sunday, his 85-year-old wife and former Indian volleyball team captain Nirmal Kaur also died due to corona infection. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep condolences on his death.

The 91-year-old great sprinter died about a month after being infected with the corona virus, a family spokesperson said. The 1958 Commonwealth Games champion and 1960 Olympian breathed his last at the PGI Hospital in Chandigarh. Milkha came under the grip of corona virus on 20 May. His family cook had got corona, after which Milkha and his wife Nirmal Milkha Singh became corona positive.

After this he was admitted to a private hospital on 24 May. He was discharged from the hospital on 30 May. After this, on June 03, he was admitted to PGIMER’s Nehru Hospital Extension after a drop in the oxygen level. On Thursday, his corona report came negative. His condition had worsened on Friday evening and oxygen had decreased along with fever. However, his condition had stabilized before Thursday evening. He is survived by his son golfer Jeev Milkha Singh and three daughters.

Four-time Asian Games gold medalist

A four-time Asian Games gold medalist, Milkha had also won the yellow medal at the 1958 Commonwealth Games. His best performance, however, was at the 1960 Rome Olympics in which he finished fourth in the 400 m final. He also represented India in 1956 and 1964 Olympics. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1959.

Padmashree Father-Son First Pair
Jeev Milkha Singh has been awarded the Padma Shri award. In such a situation, Milkha Singh and his son Jeev Milkha Singh are the only father-son duo in the country who have received Padma Shri for their sports achievements.

PM Modi condoles

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh, saying that India has lost such a great sportsperson, whose life will continue to inspire budding sportspersons. Modi tweeted, “In the passing of Milkha Singh ji, we have lost a great sportsperson who had a special place in the hearts of countless Indians. He was loved by millions with his inspiring personality. I am hurt by his demise.’ He further wrote, ‘I spoke to Milkha Singh ji a few days back. I didn’t know it would be our last thing. My condolences to his family and his fans around the world.

Ayub Khan called Flying Sikh

Popularly known as the Flying Sikh, this sprinter received love and support from every corner of the world. Milkha was born in undivided India (present-day Pakistan), but came to India after independence. Milkha’s talent and speed was such that he was given the title of ‘Flying Sikh’ by the then Pakistani Prime Minister Field Marshal Ayub Khan.

Film on struggle

A film named ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ has also been made on the life of legendary sprinter Milkha Singh. Milkha Singh never gave up. However, Milkha Singh had said that the story of his struggle is not shown in the film as much as what he has faced.

I wish I hadn’t looked back at the Rome Olympics!

Whenever Milkha Singh is mentioned, there is a mention of missing her medal in Rome Olympics. In an interview, he had said, ‘I used to have a habit that I used to look back once in every race. The race at the Rome Olympics was very close and I started off hard. However, I looked back once and perhaps this is where I missed. The bronze medalist’s time in this race was 45.5 and Milkha finished the race in 45.6 seconds.

Son Jeev Milkha Singh is a golfer

Milkha Singh’s son Jeev Milkha Singh is an internationally renowned golfer. Jeev has won the Asian Tour Order of Merit twice. He achieved this feat in the years 2006 and 2008. Jeev is the only golfer from India to have won this title twice. He has also won titles on the European Tour, Japan Tour and Asian Tour.

Whole country including President and Prime Minister paid tribute to Milkha Singh

With the demise of the country’s great sprinter Milkha Singh, the entire nation including the President and the Prime Minister has mourned the end of an era. President Ram Nath Kovind said his story of struggle and militancy will continue to inspire generations to come, even as Prime Minister Modi described him as a “very big” sportsperson.
Milkha Singh passed away last night at PGIMER, Chandigarh after battling corona infection for a month. A week earlier, his wife and former Indian volleyball team captain Nirmal Kaur also passed away.

The President tweeted that I am saddened by the passing of the legend of sports, Milkha Singh. The story of his struggle and belligerence will continue to inspire generations of Indians to come. My condolences to his family and countless fans. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that in the passing away of Milkha Singh ji, we have lost a great sportsperson who had a special place in the hearts of countless Indians. He was loved by millions with his inspiring personality. I am hurt by his death. He further wrote that I had spoken to Milkha Singh ji a few days back. I didn’t know it would be our last thing. Many budding sportspersons will be inspired by his life. My condolences to his family and his fans around the world.

The Indian sports world paid tribute to this inspirational player. Even after saying goodbye to the track, he always had an eye on Indian sports. Sunil Chhetri, the captain of the Indian football team said that we did not see you running but in childhood whenever we used to run fast, we used to run like Milkha Singh. You didn’t just run, you inspired. Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who has qualified for Tokyo Olympics, tweeted that we have lost a gem. He will remain an inspiration to every Indian. May God rest his soul.

Home Minister Amit Shah said that one of the brightest stars of Indian sports is gone. He said that India is saddened by the passing away of the great sprinter Flying Sikh Shri Milkha Singh Ji. He left an indelible mark on world athletics. India will always remember him as one of the brightest stars of sports. My condolences to the fans to his family.
The Sports Authority of India tweeted that Commonwealth Games and Asian Games gold medalist Milkha Singh held the national record of 400m for 38 years. Condolences to his family and the millions he inspired. Athletics Federation of India tweeted that very sad news for all Indians. AFI President Adile Sumariwala described Milkha as a stalwart who took athletics to new heights in the young country. Olympian Anju Bobby George wrote that he will continue to inspire young Indians for generations. May God rest his soul. Big loss to Indian athletics. Indian sprinter Mohammad Anas Yahia wrote that I am shocked by the passing away of Milkha sir. You will always have a special place in my heart. Flying Sikhs will live forever.

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh wrote that it is very sad news that Flying Sikh Sardar Milkha Singh is no more. Waheguru. Indian tennis star Sania Mirza tweeted that I am deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Sardar Milkha Singh ji. Had the privilege of meeting you many times and you have always been blessed. Very polite and warm person. You will be missed. Tributes were also paid to him on the official handle of the Indian football team. It was written on it that along with the whole country we are also saddened by the death of legendary sprinter Milkha Singh. His incredible achievements will continue to be a source of inspiration for generations to come. May God rest his soul.
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar wrote that I am saddened to hear about the passing away of the great sprinter Sardar Milkha Singh. He will always be an inspiration to all. om Shanti. Champion cricketer Sachin Tendulkar wrote that RIP Milkha Singh. Your demise has created an emptiness in the heart of every Indian, but you will continue to be an inspiration for many generations to come. 400m runner Hima Das said that after winning the medal in Asian Games and World Championship Under 20 title, I was called by Milkha Singh sir and said that you keep working, you have a lot of time and will be able to play the country at the world level. Can win a gold medal for Ravi Shastri, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, tweeted that India’s best Olympic sprinter. Shocked the world with his competitive spirit despite limited resources. God rest your soul. Condolences to Jeev Milkha Singh and family.