Legendary Indian athlete Milkha Singh has passed away aged 91 due to post-COVID complications, days after his 85-year-old wife Nirmal Kaur died battling coronavirus. Both Milkha Singh and his wife had tested positive for the virus. The legendary athlete was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the PGIMER hospital in Chandigarh.
Milkha Singh had tested positive for the virus last month but was moved to the ICU on Wednesday after his test results came negative. On Thursday, his condition began to deteriorate after he developed a fever and oxygen saturation dipped.
As expected, tributes began to pour in for the celebrated athlete.
There are sporting legends and then there is Milkha Singh, the first great track and field athlete of post independence India. When you think of Milkha sir, it’s an inspiring story of overcoming early personal tragedy to achieve national glory. Salute you ! RIP #MilkhaSingh
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) June 18, 2021
An inspiration for generations to come. Your legacy will fly high, always.
Our heartfelt condolences to his family. Rest in peace #MilkhaSingh. ???? pic.twitter.com/nzB9aMTSll
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) June 18, 2021
Rest in Peace #MilkhaSingh ji
Feeling Very sad after hearing this news— Ashish Chanchlani (@ashchanchlani) June 18, 2021
Honorary Captain Padma Shri Milkha Singh (Flying Sikh) Succumbs to Covid-19 today following his wife Nirmal Kaur died on 13th june. He took his last at 11.24pm at PGI Chd. Will be remembered fondly in recognition of his sporting achievements. ऊँ शांति ????#MilkhaSingh #Flyingsikh pic.twitter.com/75zOKqVimx
— Shivangi Parmar (@anchorshivangi) June 18, 2021
Rest in peace ‘Flying Sikh’ Sardar Milkha Singh. The nation will remember you & seek inspiration from your life forever. ???????????? SALUTE! #MilkhaSingh pic.twitter.com/FvN8QpZWiv
— Gaurav Pandhi (@GauravPandhi) June 18, 2021
Known as ‘Flying Sikh,’ Milkha Singh was a four-time Asian Games gold medallist and 1958 Commonwealth Games champion. However, his most notable performance came when he finished the fourth-place in the 400m final of the 1960 Rome Olympics.
He also represented India in the 1956 and 1964 Olympics and was conferred with the Padma Shri in 1959.
Farhan Akhtar had played his character in the legend’s Bollywood biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, which had become a huge commercial success.
