Legendary Olympian Milkha Singh died on Friday evening due to COVID-19 complications. On this mournful occasion, we decided to mark his passing by revisiting his greatest moments. Milkha Singh, often fondly known as The Flying Sikh by the media, was a sprinter who put India’s name at the greatest sporting events during his days. He was 91-years-old and is survived by his son – famous golf player Jeev Milkha Singh & daughters Mona Singh, Sonia Singh and Aleeza Grover.
Background
Milkha Singh took his last breath on Friday evening in Chandigarh. The veteran sportsperson was reported positive for deadly COVID-19 infection earlier last month, and was in news for being admitted to the ICU due to fluctuating oxygen need. His wife Nirmal Kaur also died earlier this week of the same complications. The deaths of Mrs. & Mr. Singh in quick succession is sure to have made it turbulent for all those close to them.
Also Read: The Flying Sikh Milkha Singh’s wife Nirmal Kaur dies due to COVID-19 complications
Details
1958 Commonwealth Games Champion & Olympian, Milkha Singh was tested positive for COVID-19 earlier last month on May 20. Later the same week, he was admitted to a Mohali based private hospital. Later some optimistic news emerged when it was reported that he was discharged from hospital on May 30.
However, he was again admitted to the COVID-19 ward at PGIMER on June 3 due to lack of oxygen. Another optimistic report came in the form of Singh testing negative for the virus. Unfortunately, things turned from bad to worse and he was shifted to medical ICU due to deteriorating health.
Also Read: Milkha Singh Admitted to ICU Due to Low Oxygen Levels; PM Modi Speaks & Wishes Recovery
After his death, a statement from PGIMER read-
“Legendary Indian Sprinter Shri Milkha Singh ji was admitted in the ICU of Covid Hospital of PGIMER on 3rd June 2021 and 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.”
The statement further added-
“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.”
Condolences Start Pouring In
Mr. Singh enjoyed the fruits of his labour in his later life, and was one of the most influential former athletes in the country. Condolence messages from the Indian Prime Minister, the Indian President, leaders from the ruling and opposition parties, sportspersons and celebrities started pouring in after his death.
Rest in Peace our very own ‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh ji.
Your demise has left a deep void in every Indian’s heart today, but you shall keep inspiring several generations to come. pic.twitter.com/ImljefeUEN
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 19, 2021
Dark clouds of sadness prevail with the demise of my idol and inspiration Milkha Singhji. His story of sheer determination and hard work inspired millions and will continue to do so. As a tribute to him, students of Usha School paid homage to the legend.
Rest in Peace 🙏 pic.twitter.com/mLBQQ2ge3v— P.T. USHA (@PTUshaOfficial) June 19, 2021
We may not have seen you compete, but every time we ran fast as kids, we ran 'like Milkha Singh'. And for me, that will always be the legend you leave behind. You didn't just run, you inspired. Rest in peace, sir. #MilkhaSingh pic.twitter.com/SbwrqJJHx9
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) June 19, 2021
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. pic.twitter.com/h99RNbXI28
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 18, 2021
The passing of sporting icon Milkha Singh fills my heart with grief. The story of his struggles and strength of character will continue to inspire generations of Indians. My deepest condolences to his family members, and countless admirers.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 18, 2021
India mourns the sad demise of legendary sprinter Shri Milkha Singh Ji, The Flying Sikh. He has left an indelible mark on world athletics. Nation will always remember him as one of the brightest stars of Indian sports. My deepest condolences to his family and countless followers. pic.twitter.com/HsHMXYHypx
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 18, 2021
Shri Milkha Singh ji was not just a sports star but a source of inspiration for millions of Indians for his dedication and resilience.
My condolences to his family and friends.
India remembers her #FlyingSikh pic.twitter.com/dE70KmiQJz
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 19, 2021
पूरे विश्व में भारत का नाम ऊंचा करने वाले फ्लाइंग सिख मिल्खा सिंह जी का निधन एक गौरवपूर्ण अध्याय का अंत है। उनका जीवन हर भारतवासी को सपने देखना और पूरी मेहनत से उन्हें पूरा करने की प्रेरणा देता रहेगा। वे हम सबके दिलों में हमेशा अमर रहेंगे।
विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि । pic.twitter.com/uAQp0xQKqf
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 19, 2021
Had the honour of meeting you and you blessed me so many times .. the kindest and warmest 🤲🏽 RIP Milkha Singh sir .. the world will miss a legend like you .. #MilkhaSingh
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) June 18, 2021
The great man #MilkaSingh ji has left us in body, but the name Milkha will always live on as being synonymous with courage and will-power.
What a man. My sincere condolences to his family. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/AW2FbM3zg1— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 19, 2021
Revisiting the Greatest Moments of Milkha Singh (1929 –2021)
Born in pre-partition India, losing 7 cousins in childhood
Born to a poor family in Gobinpura, Muzaffargarh– now in Pakistan – Milkha was the second child of his parents. Due to the poverty of his family and unavailability of medical resources, Milkha saw 7 of his 14 siblings dying due to poor health.
Parents murdered by rioters, Joining Indian Army
After struggling to make ends meet, moving back to India & seeing his parents be murdered by rioters, Singh finally joined the Indian Army. His talent in sprinting & his overall athleticism was nurtured and he participated in National Games, 1956 where he stood 4th.
Winning Gold at Tokyo Asian Games
In 1956, he went on to win the gold in Tokyo Asian Games for both 400m & 200m. During his 200m sprint, he went on to defeat the sprint record holder Abdul Khaliq and clocked at 46.6 seconds.
Coming inches closer to Olympic medal
The most significant moment of Milkha’s life came when he came inch close to realizing the biggest dream an athlete has – winning an Olympic medal. At the Rome Olympics, Singh participated in the 400m sprint and finished a heartbreaking 4th position. He was just 0.1 seconds behind the third-place winner.
His heroics were documented in the film called Bhaag Milkha Bhaag which starred Farhan Akhtar as the titular character.
