Legendary India athlete Milkha Singh on Friday night passed away due to COVID-19 related complications. He was 91.
Milkha is credited with having put Indian athletics on the world map during his storied career. He was a four-time Asian Games gold medallist, 1958 Commonwealth Games champion with his greatest performance being a near miss at the 1960 Rome Olympics when he came agonisingly close to winning a bronze medal in the 400m final.
His on-field achievements got him the sobriquet of ‘The Flying Sikh’.
He contracted covid-19 last month and was admitted to a hospital where he eventually tested negative earlier this week. He showed signs of recovery upon shifting to general ICU but his condition deteriorated on Thursday evening.
Tributes are pouring in from all walks of life with leading former India stars Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Anil Kumble among others mourning Milkha’s demise.
“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," Tendulkar posted on his Twitter handle.
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
Former India captain and current BCCI president Sourav Ganguly also mourned his demise.
Extremely saddened by this news ..RIP ,India’s one of the greatest sportsman..you have made young Indians dream of becoming an athlete..had the privilege of knowing you so closely .. pic.twitter.com/mbEk9WPDBd— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) June 19, 2021
Sehwag said Milkha’s name will be synonymous with courage and will-power.
“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," Sehwag said.
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
Former India spinner Anil Kumble called him a true legend and an icon.
“Deeply saddened to hear the passing of Milkha SinghJi. His legacy will live on… a true legend and an icon. Condolences to his family and friends," Kumble wrote.
Deeply saddened to hear the passing of Milkha SinghJi. His legacy will live on… a true legend and an icon. Condolences to his family and friends. 🙏🏽— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) June 19, 2021
India offspinner Harbhajan Singh said, “Very sad,heartbreaking to hear flying sikh Sardar Milkha singh ji is no more… waheguru RIPMilkhaSinghji."
Very sad,heartbreaking to hear flying sikh Sardar Milkha singh ji is no more.. 🙏🙏 waheguru 🙏🙏 #RIPMilkhaSinghji— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) 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
The Flying Sikh has flown away but the legend shall live on forever! #MilkhaSingh— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) June 19, 2021
Extremely saddened to hear about the demise of legendary Milkha Singh Ji. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to friends & family. pic.twitter.com/s8sRuA9AeY— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) June 19, 2021
What #MilkhaSingh ji achieved through his grit, determination, hardwork and exemplary talent will remain a part of Indian sports folklore. A life to be celebrated. My Condolences to his family. Om Shanti 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/i1g270kKf3— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) June 19, 2021
Milkha also lost his wife Nirmal Kaur, a former national volleyball captain, due to coronavirus. He is survived by his golfer son Jeev Milkha Singh and three daughters.
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