19-06-2021
Four times Asian Gold medallist Milkha Singh passed away on June 18, 2021 after covid complications
He had tested negative and shifted out of the ICU a few days ago.
However, he succumbed to post covid complications at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) hospital.
He had lost his wife Nirmal Kaur to Covid complication on June 13, 2021 at Mohali.
"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," read a family statement.
"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. We are deeply indebted to the doctors at PGI for their valiant efforts and the love and prayers we received from across the world and from yourselves," it added.
Tributes poured with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking to Twitter, saying, “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.”
Farhan Akhtar, who starred in his biographical sports drama film, Bhag Milha Bhag, took to Twitter and said, "Dearest Milkha ji, A part of me is still refusing to accept that you are no more. Maybe it’s the stubborn side I inherited from you.. the side that when it sets it’s mind on something, just never gives up. And the truth is that you will always be alive. Because you were more than a large hearted, loving, warm, down to earth man. You represented an idea. You represented a dream. You represented (to use your own words) how hard work, honesty and determination can lift a person off his knees and get him to touch the sky."
He added, "You have touched all our lives. For those who knew you as a father and a friend, it was a blessing. For those who didn’t, your story was as a constant source of inspiration and a reminder of humility in success.
I love you with all my heart."
Sachin Tendulkar further tweeted, “Rest in Peace our very own ‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh ji.
Your demise has left a deep void in every Indian’s heart today, but you shall keep inspiring several generations to come.”
“Had the honour of meeting you Sir, you will always have a special place in all our hearts ! Whenever we need to be inspired, “bhaag milkhe bhaag,” will resound in our ears ! Om Shanti,” Raveena Tandon tweeted and shared an old photo with Milkha Singh from 2015.
Taking to Twitter, Akshay Kumar expressed his sadness and said, “Incredibly sad to hear about the demise of Milkha Singh ji. The one character I forever regret not playing on-screen!
May you have a golden run in heaven, Flying Sikh. Om shanti, Sir.”
The Padma Shri Awardee and a great athlete remains at the fourth-place in the 400m final of the 1960 Rome Olympics. He also represented India in the 1956 and 1964 Olympics.
Milkha Singh is survived by his son Jeev Milkha and three daughters...#...LIFE HISTORY...
