Chandigarh, India, June 19, 2021: Indian sport was united in grief over the passing of legendary sprinter Milkha Singh at the age of 91.
Nicknamed “The Flying Sikh”, Milkha Singh died on Friday night, June 18 after a month-long battle with Covid-19. He was regarded as independent India’s first international sports star.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes: “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.”
The Sports Authority of India commented: “SAI learns with immense sadness of the demise of one of India’s greatest ever sportspersons ‘The Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh.
“A gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, he held the 400m national record for 38 years. Condolences to his family and the millions whom he inspired.”
SAI added that Milkha Singh's 400m race at the 1960 Rome Olympics in which he finished fourth remained an iconic moment in Indian Olympic history.
“We honour our legend's performance and everything he accomplished in his life."
Current Indian track star Hima Das said: “Heartbreaking to hear that flying Sikh legend Milkha Singh sir is no more. The nation will always remember you sir and seek an inspiration from your life forever. RIP #MilkhaSingh sir”.
Six-time women’s boxing world champion MC Mary Kom added: “Really sad about the demise of our national hero and a legend - Shri Milkha Singh ji. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. RIP #MilkhaSingh.”
Singh enjoyed a golden career on the track. He won the 440 yards at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games at Cardiff, Wales in 1958 and collected four Asian Games gold medals – the 200m and 400m double at Tokyo 1958 and the 400m and 4x400m relay at Jakarta 1962.
In 2013, his story was turned into the Bollywood film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag - Run Milkha Run.
Singh's wife, Nirmal Kaur, a former volleyball captain, also died with Covid earlier this week, aged 85.
The Padma Shri awardee is survived by his golfer son Jeev Milkha Singh and three daughters.
All the major broadcasting networks, including the BBC, CNN and ESPN, paid their respects in the form of moving obituaries which acknowledged his special position in Indian, Asia and world sport.
The Times of India reported that the sports legend would be cremated in Chandigarh on Saturday evening, June 19.
