‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh Lost Race of Life to Covid-19
Singh's wife, Nirmal Kaur, who was also associated with sports as a former volleyball captain, died because of covid-19 at the age of 85
India’s most successful and highly admired track and field sprinter Milkha Singh, also recognized as ‘Flying Sikh’, died of covid-19 infection at the age of 91.
Singh contracted the infection last month and it became worst as the complications increased and the athlete had to be shifted to a hospital.
Unfortunately, the wife of Milkha Singh, Nirmal Kaur, who was also associated with sports as a former volleyball captain, also died of the same disease on June 13.
Milkha spent his childhood in a remote village in Multan province in India.
However, his life took a huge turn after his family was murdered during partition of India and his father’s last words to him were Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (Run Milkha Run).
Since then, he recollected himself strongly and reflected his father’s final say by becoming nation’s pride.
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Singh bagged 4 Asian gold medals and finished fourth in the 400m final at Rome Olympics 1960.
He won 5 golds in international athletic championships and was awarded the Helms World Trophy in 1959 for winning 77 of his 80 international races.
He was also recognized as India’s first Commonwealth gold in 1958.
Looking at his outstanding sports career, the Bollywood industry turned the story of the Flying Sikh into a movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag – Run Milkha Run, and the role was played by the actor Farhan Akhtar.
Shortly after the news spread, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi paid his tribute to the deceased champion through his Twitter handle.
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
Moreover, Pakistani Singer and activist Meesha Shafi, who was also part of the Bollywood film, paid condolence.
“Before shooting ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ I researched ‘The Flying Sikh’ Must be soaring gracefully in the skies today”, she wrote.
Before shooting ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’
I researched ‘The Flying Sikh’
Must be soaring gracefully in the skies today #MilkhaSinghJi
My thoughts go out to his fam and the film fam @RakeyshOmMehra and @FarOutAkhtarRIP
– your onscreen ‘Jalpari’ 🧜♀️— MEESHA SHAFI (@itsmeeshashafi) June 19, 2021
