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Chandigarh June 18
Milka Singh, the Flying Sikh, has flown – and it is clear that there will never be one like him again. The 91-year-old’s battle with Covid-19 ended late Friday night at PGI, as he was undergoing treatment for the dreaded virus that killed his wife Nirmal five days earlier.
His body will be cremated at 5 p.m. Saturday with full honors.
His body was kept at his residence in Sector 8.
Milka Singh, who tested positive for Covid-19 on May 20 after home help was found in his home, was initially admitted to Mohali Hospital before being brought home on May 30. However, it was introduced to PGI after its oxygen levels decreased.
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Milka’s death brings down the curtain on the extraordinary story of this remarkable athlete, whose exploits have been retold to a new generation through cinema with the film Bhag Milka Bhag.
Born in Gobindpura – now in Pakistan – on November 30, 1928, Milka was violently uprooted from his hometown by partition when riots claimed the lives of his parents, two sisters and a brother.
His life changed for the better when Milka joined the army, and it was in this institution that his remarkable talent was recognized and nurtured.
Milka became the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in the 400m class in Cardiff in 1958.
In the same year, he achieved the 200-meter and 400-meter doubles at the Asian Games in Tokyo.
However, his most famous race is the 400-meter final at the 1964 Olympics, where he was a favorite for a medal—which he missed lightly, and ended up finishing fourth.
After his career ended, Milka became a sports director.
Survived by one son – golfer Jeff Milka Singh – and three daughters.
In the death of Shri Milka Singh Ji, we lost a huge athlete, who captured the nation’s imagination and held a special place in the hearts of countless Indians. Millions loved his inspiring personality. disturbed by his death. pic.twitter.com/h99RNbXI28
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 18, 2021
India mourns the passing of legendary runner Shri Milka Singh Ji, the Flying Sikh. He left an indelible mark on world athletics. The nation will always remember him as one of the brightest stars of Indian sports. My sincere condolences to his family and countless followers. pic.twitter.com/HsHMXYHypx
– Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 18, 2021
Upset and saddened to hear the news of Milka Singh Ji’s death. It marks the end of an era and India and Punjab are poorer today. My condolences to the bereaved family and millions of fans. The legend of the Flying Sikh will reverberate for generations to come. Rest in peace, sir! pic.twitter.com/7yK8EOHUnS
– Captain Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) June 18, 2021
Heartbroken to hear the news of Shri Milka Singh Ji’s passing. He is a legendary athlete, who will be fondly remembered.
My sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and fans around the world.
– Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 18, 2021
Your life, your struggle, your story will continue to give wings to millions of Indians for generations to come. Rest in peace, Sikh bird #MilkhaSingh. @ JeevMilkhaSingh pic.twitter.com/yRMHQhr5Ac
– Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) June 18, 2021
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Picture Credit!