Flying Sikh Milkha Singh – Milkha Singh Passes Away: Indian sprint legend Milkha Singh died on Friday after a month-long battle with COVID-19, during which he lost his former national volleyball captain wife Nirmal Kaur to the same ailment.
The entire nation paid tribute to one of India’s greatest athlete, calling his death “an end of an era”.
Punjab: Visuals from the residence of former sprinter Milkha Singh in Chandigarh.
Milkha Singh, widely regarded as Flying Sikh, passed away last night & his wife Nirmal Kaur died on June 13 pic.twitter.com/7UdwUFeYHQ
— ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2021
“An era comes to an end as the ‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh ji bids adieu to the world. A legendary sprinter, he was the epitome of dedication, humility & National glory. Milkha Singh Ji’s inspirational journey & contribution to Indian sports will be remember forever. Om Shanti,” Indian Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted.
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
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
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) June 18, 2021
How can my generation explain what Milkha Singh meant to us?
He wasn’t just an athlete. To a society still suffering the insecurities of post-colonialism he was a sign that we could be the best in the world. Thank you, Milkha Singhji, for giving us that confidence. Om Shanti 🙏🏽— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) 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
Sad to hear the passing away of the legend #MilkhaSingh ji. His legacy will live on for generations to come. My heartfelt condolences to his family and well-wishers. Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/YgSRGaH9iP
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) 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
Your story inspired millions of people and will keep inspiring more……
RIP legend 💔🙏🏼 #MilkhaSingh pic.twitter.com/V7qAyP34nc— Ritu phogat (@PhogatRitu) June 19, 2021
The Flying Sikh has flown away but the legend shall live on forever! #MilkhaSingh
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) June 19, 2021
Incredibly sad to hear about the demise of #MilkhaSingh ji. The one character I forever regret not playing on-screen!
May you have a golden run in heaven, Flying Sikh. Om shanti, Sir 🙏🏻— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) June 19, 2021
– The legendary sprinter Milkha Singh (Flying Sikh) departs at age 91, your legacy will fly high, always.
Our heartfelt condolences to his family in this hard time… #MilkhaSingh— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) June 18, 2021
Flying Sikh Milkha Singh – Milkha Singh Passes Away: The Padma Shri awardee was 91 and is survived by his golfer son Jeev Milkha Singh and three daughters.
“He breathed his last at 11.30pm,” a family spokesperson told PTI.
His condition turned critical this evening as he developed complications, including fever and dipping oxygen saturation levels, after a bout with COVID-19, in the Intensive Care Unit of the PGIMER hospital here.
Flying Sikh Milkha Singh – Milkha Singh Passes Away: He had contracted COVID-19 last month and tested negative for the virus on Wednesday when he was shifted to general ICU in another block of the hospital.
The legendary athlete is a four-time Asian Games gold medallist and the 1958 Commonwealth Games champion but his greatest performance remains the fourth-place finish in the 400m final of the 1960 Rome Olympics.
Flying Sikh Milkha Singh – Milkha Singh Passes Away: He also represented India in the 1956 and 1964 Olympics and was bestowed the Padma Shri in 1959.