Legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh passed away on the night of the 18th of June, Friday due to post Novel Coronavirus complications, pneumonia.
According to sources, Milkha Singh was diagnosed with the Wuhan Virus, also known as the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the 19th of May. He was asymptomatic and was under home isolation till the 24th of May. Later, due to sudden deteriorating health conditions, he was taken to Fortis Hospital in Mohali Punjab and was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU.)
Later on the 3rd of June, he was shifted to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER,) Chandigarh. The 91 year old died after days of treatment at the hospital last night.
The demise of the legendary Milkha Singh was announced by his family. His family released a statement which read, “It is with extreme sadness that we would like to inform you that Milkha Singh Ji passed away at 11:30 P.M., on the 18th of June 2021.” The statement further read, “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 (sic.)”
It is to be noted, recently on the 13th of June, Nirmal Kaur, wife of Milkha Singh also died due to post COVID-19 complications.
Meanwhile, the hospital released a statement regarding the demise of Milkha Singh. The statement read, Milkha Singh “was treated for COVID-19 there till 13th June when after putting up a valiant battle with COVID-19, Milkha Singh Ji tested negative. However, due to post COVID-19 complications, he was shifted out of COVID-19 Hospital to a 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 (sic.)”
Highlighting the achievements of Milkha Singh, he made his name in the track and field and was popularly called the ‘Flying Sikh.’
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He won four gold medals at the Asian Games , a gold at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff and brought pride to India. Milkha Singh had also taken part in the 1956 and 1964 Olympics. He was also conferred the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian honour in 1959
Upon hearing the demise of the sports verteran Milkha Singh, celebrities, cricketers and ministers paid their tributes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary sprinter and said, “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.”
In another tweet, PM Narendra Modi said, “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.”
Cricketers and celebrities like Virat Kohli, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Bose, Raveena Tandon and others also mourned Milkha Singh’s death.
Milkha Singh is survived by three daughters, Mona Singh, Aleeza Grover and Sonia Sanwalka and a son Jeev Milkha Singh.
