The Indian sprint legend, Milkha Singh succumbed to post COVID-19 complications last night after battling with the virus for a whole month.
Mr. Singh had tested positive for the virus on May 20th. He was later admitted in a private hospital on May 24th at Mohali. He was discharged on May 30th, but due to low oxygen levels, he was again admitted to the COVID-19 ward at Nehru Hospital Extension at PGIMER.
The former sportsman had tested negative on Thursday and was shifted to the medical ICU. But on Friday, his conditions deteriorated as he developed various COVID-19 complications, including fever and low oxygen levels.
Nirmal Kaur, Milkha Singh’s wife, had lost the battle with the virus 5 days ago. Former Indian volleyball team captain, Mrs. Nirmal, was admitted to the same hospital as Mr. Singh.
The Flying Sikh, Milkha Singh grew up in a small village in India, when India was still under British rule. As a young boy, he saw his family being murdered during the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947.
The last words from his father to Milkha were, “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag”, which indeed had a great impact on him, and made him run for his life. Milkha Singh ran to save his life and then he ran to win medals for his country.
At Cardiff during the Commonwealth games 1958, Singh won a Gold for India. Singh never won an Olympics, and his only wish was that “Someone else should win that medal for India.”
When Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Milkha Singh’s biographic film was released, he said, “It would inspire the next generation.”
The legend Milkha Singh was an inspiration for all the young athletes. His life and his love for running-inspired a lot of people.
Twitter Reaction after Indian Legend & Flying Sikh “Milkha Singh” Passes away at 91
See How’s Twitter Reacted after the demise of the Flying Sikh “Milkha Singh”
At his demise, the whole sports world took social media to pay respect to the legend. Mr. Narendra Modi also paid his tributes to the star of the sports world.
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
India mourns the sad demise of legendary sprinter Shri Milkha Singh Ji, The Flying Sikh. He has left an indelible mark on world athletics. Nation will always remember him as one of the brightest stars of Indian sports. My deepest condolences to his family and countless followers. pic.twitter.com/HsHMXYHypx
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 18, 2021
Very very sad news for all #Indians, legend Shri Milkha Singh Ji passed away just a while back.
— Athletics Federation of India (@afiindia) June 18, 2021
Incredibly sad to hear about the demise of #MilkhaSingh ji. The one character I forever regret not playing on-screen!
May you have a golden run in heaven, Flying Sikh. Om shanti, Sir 🙏🏻— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) June 19, 2021
The Flying Sikh may no longer be with us in person but his presence will always be felt and his legacy will remain unmatched… An inspiration to me… an inspiration to millions. Rest in Peace Milkha Singh sir.
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) June 18, 2021
Shri Milkha Singh ji was not just a sports star but a source of inspiration for millions of Indians for his dedication and resilience.
My condolences to his family and friends.
India remembers her #FlyingSikh pic.twitter.com/dE70KmiQJz
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 19, 2021
#IndianArmy pays homage to Honorary Captain Milkha Singh – The Flying Sikh, a true legend who will continue to inspire generations of sportspersons. The legendary athlete will always be remembered for many firsts in the field of athletics. pic.twitter.com/PXWh4xQqeU
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) June 19, 2021
You will always remain Immortal ‘Flying Sikh’ Sardar #MilkhaSingh 🙏🏻
An inspiration for generations to come.
Your legacy will fly high always.Heartfelt condolences to his family.
Rest in peace #MilkhaSinghJi 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/b1KirmyOT6— Sonal Goel IAS (@sonalgoelias) June 19, 2021
#MilkhaSingh respectively sees to his last hurdle with his long given nickname ‘the flying sikh’….
a legend and hero,
rest in paradise…👳🏾♂️👟🤍 pic.twitter.com/mSMzOf3HxB
— Inkquisitive (@Inkquisitive) June 18, 2021
Tribute to the legend “ The ‘#FlyingSikh’ #MilkhaSingh ji. My SandArt at Puri beach in Odisha . #RIP🙏 pic.twitter.com/UJLrTAGFeK
— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) June 19, 2021
One of India’s greatest athletes, Milkha Singh, dies from Covid-related complications, aged 91 https://t.co/6SJ6zWF1q9
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) June 19, 2021
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