Legendary Indian athlete Milkha Singh, popularly known as The Flying Sikh', passed away in a local hospital here at 11.30 pm on Friday, said a statement from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, where he was being treated for COVID-19 related complications. Milkha was 91 and is survived by a son, ace golfer Jeev Milkha Singh, and three daughters.
Several Bollywood celebrities condoled the death of Milkha Singh including Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra Jonas among others.
SRK tweeted, "The Flying Sikh may no longer be with us in person but his presence will always be felt and his legacy will remain unmatched... An inspiration to me... an inspiration to millions. Rest in Peace Milkha Singh sir."
The Flying Sikh may no longer be with us in person but his presence will always be felt and his legacy will remain unmatched... An inspiration to me... an inspiration to millions. Rest in Peace Milkha Singh sir.
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) June 18, 2021
While Akshay wrote about regretting not playing Milkha Singh onscreen. He stated, "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."
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
Priyanka took to her Instagram story and shared a selfie posing with The Flying Sikh. She wrote, "Warm and welcoming, you made our first meeting so special, I have been inspired by your excellence, touched by your humility, influenced by your contribution to our country. Om Shanti #Milkha Ji. Sending love and prayers to the family. #MilkhaSingh."
Had the honour of meeting you Sir, you will always have a special place in all our hearts ! Whenever we need to be inspired, “bhaag milkhe bhaag,” will resound in our ears ! Om Shanti. https://t.co/UZC6chEQg8
— Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) June 18, 2021
What a sad day for India, what a sad day for sport. In the long hours I spent with Milkha Sir I was always struck by his fierce determination and his even fiercer generosity. An inspiration, period. Rest in peace, Sir. We mourn deeply. Love to @JeevMilkhaSingh and the family.
— Rahul Bose (@RahulBose1) June 18, 2021
Six days ago, on June 13, Milkha's wife Nirmal had passed away. A former India volleyball captain, she was 85, and she too was affected by Covid and related complications.
The family also issued a statement after he passed away. "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 five days," the family statement read.
"We are deeply indebted to the doctors at PGI for their valiant efforts and the love and prayers we received from across the world and from yourselves. We Thank You," said the family.