Milkha Singh, a legendary Indian sprinter, died on Friday as a result of post-Covid complications. He was receiving care at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research. On May 19, the 91-year-old tested positive for COVID-19 but was placed in home isolation at his Chandigarh home after revealing that he was asymptomatic. However, on May 24, the legendary athlete was admitted to Mohali’s Fortis hospital’s ICU due to “COVID pneumonia.” On June 3, he was transferred to PGIMER in Chandigarh.
His death occurred five days after his wife Nirmal died as a result of post-Covid complications.
“It is with extreme sadness that we would like to inform you that Milkha Singh Ji passed away at 11.30 pm. on the 18th of June 2021,” his family announced in a statement.
“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.
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 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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary sprinter.
“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, also known as the “Flying Sikh,” rose to prominence in track and field, winning four gold medals at the Asian Games. He also won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Cardiff in 1958.
He finished fourth in the 400m final at the 1960 Rome Olympics, narrowly missing out on an Olympic medal.
Milkha Singh completed the race in 45.73 seconds. It was a national record for nearly 40 years until Paramjeet Singh broke it in 1998.
Milkha Singh had also competed in the Olympics in 1956 and 1964. In 1959, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour.
