New Delhi: The Legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh died on Friday this week due to post-Covid complications. He was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital in Mohali on May 24th. The 91 year old was tested positive for the COVID-19 on the 19th of May but he was in home isolation at his Chandigarh residency after revealing publicly that he was asymptomatic. However, after a few days, the legendary athlete was admitted into the ICU of Mohali’s Fortis hospital due to “COVID-19 pneumonia”. His end came five days after his wife Nirmala also died due to the post-Covid complications.
His family announced in a statement that, “It is with extreme sadness that we would like to inform you that Milkha Singh Ji passed away around 11:30 pm. on the 18th of June 2021.”
“He fought very hard but God has his ways and Happens what God wills. It was maybe true love and companionship that both our mother Nirmal ji and now Father have passed away in a matter of just 5 days,” the statement further added.
He was admitted at PGIMER in Chandigarh on June 3rd “and he was treated for Covid-19 there till 13th of June when after putting up a fearless battle with the Covid-19, Milkha Singh Ji was tested negative,” the hospital said in a statement.
“However, due to post-Covid-19 complications, he was again shifted out of Covid Hospital to a medical ICU. But despite best of the efforts by the medical staff, Milkha Singh ji could not be recovered from his critical condition and after a brave fight, he left us for his heavenly abode at around 11.30 pm on 18th June 2021 here at PGIMER,” the statement added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a tribute to the legendary sprinter Milkha Singh on his demise.
“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 5 days,” the statement further added.
“In the demise of Shri Milkha Singh Ji, we have lost a colossal sportsperson, who captured the nation’s imaginations and has had a special place in the hearts of countless Indian citizens. His inspiring personality endeared himself to millions around the world. Anguished by his passing away,” PM Modi tweeted.
“I had spoken to Shri Milkha Singh Ji just about a few days ago. Little did I know that it would be our last interaction. Many budding athletes will derive strength from his life journey for sure. My condolences to his family and many admirers all over the world,” PM added in another tweet.
Flying Sikh never missed out on an Olympic medal, finishing fourth at the 400m final of the 1960 RomeGames.
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He was Popularly referred to as the ‘Flying Sikh’, Milkha Singh made his name in the tracks and field, also winning four gold medals at the Asian Games. He has also won a gold at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff.
Flying Sikh had also taken part in the 1956 and 1964 Olympics games. He was awarded with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in the year 1959.
Milkha Singh has finished the race in a time period of just 45.73 seconds. It remained a national record for around 40 years before Paramjeet Singh surpassed it in the year 1998.