Milkha Singh died five days after his wife Nirmal, who also died due to post-Covid complications. With his demise, India has lost one of the finest sporting personalities.
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Legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh passed away Friday due to post-Covid complications. He was being treated at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research before being discharged from the hospital. The 91-year-old had tested positive for COVID-19 on May 19 but was isolated at home since he was asymptomatic. However, on May 24, the legendary athlete was admitted to the ICU of Mohali’s Fortis hospital due to COVID pneumonia. He was later on shifted to PGIMER in Chandigarh on June 3.
The flying Sikh passed away five days after his wife Nirmal, who also died due to post-Covid complications.
Hos family released a statement after his death. “It is with extreme sadness that we would like to inform you that Milkha Singh Ji passed away.”
“He fought hard but God has his ways. It was perhaps true love and companionship that both our mother Nirmal Ji and now Dad have passed away in a matter of 5 days,” the statement further added.
He “was treated for Covid there till 13th June when after putting up a valiant battle with Covid. Milkha Singh Ji tested negative,” the hospital said in a statement.
“However, due to post-Covid complications, he was shifted out of Covid Hospital to a medical ICU. But despite best of the efforts by the medical team, Milkha Singh ji could not be retrieved from his critical condition and after a brave fight, he left for his heavenly abode at 11.30 pm on 18th June 2021 here at PGIMER,” the statement added.
“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,” PM Modi tweeted.
“I had spoken to Shri Milkha Singh Ji just a few days ago. Little did I know that it would be our last conversation. Several budding athletes will derive strength from his life journey. My condolences to his family and many admirers all over the world,” he added in another tweet.
Milkha Singh is considered one of the tallest icons in India. The ‘Flying Sikh’ overcame numerous obstacles outside the sports field just like the great Muhammad Ali. He rightly shines as one of the brightest stars of Indian sports.
He was the first Indian athlete to win an individual athletics Gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, a record which remained intact till 2010. Milkha represented India in three Olympics from 1956 to 1964. He was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his sporting achievements.
The race for which Milkha is best remembered is his fourth-place finish in the 400 metres final at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. He had entered as one of the favourites. Milkha led the race for some time before easing off, allowing others to pass him and proceed ahead.
