Milkha Singh, the legendary athlete, and Asian gold medalist, popularly known as 'Flying Singh', has died at the age of 91. On June 13, Sunday, Nirmal Milkha Singh, former Indian volleyball captain, and Milkha Singh's wife had also breathed her last after suffering from COVID-19 and battling the virus for more than 19 days at a Mohali hospital.
After his death, PGIMER, Chandigarh, where the legendary athlete was being treated for COVID-19, issued a statement for the media.
The official spokesperson for PGIMER, Prof Ashok Kumar said, "Legendary Indian Sprinter Shri Milkha Singh ji was admitted in the ICU of COVID Hospital of PGIMER on 3rd June 2021 and was treated for COVID there till 13th June when after putting up a valiant battle with COVID, Milkha Singh Ji tested negative."
Prof Ashok added, "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."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to the Asian gold medalist and wrote on Twitter, "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."
Milkha Singh, who was born in Gobindpura now in present-day Pakistan on November 30, 1928, as per school records, had become the first Indian athlete to win gold in the then British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Cardiff in 1958, a record which stood for more than 50 years.
