Legendary sportsperson Milkha Singh passes away at 91

On Friday June 18, renowned sports star Milkha Singh died at the age of 91, following post-covid complications. He had tested positive for the virus on May 19 and had been admitted in PGIMER hospital in Mohali. He was in the ICU from June 3 to June 13. As per reports, his health worsened after he was shifted out of the ICU, with his oxygen levels dropping and him catching a fever. A few days before, on June 13, Singh’s wife Nirmal Kaur had succumbed to the same disease at the age of 85.

Soon after Singh’s demise, Bollywood celebrities and several politicians shared their condolences on social media. Farhan Akhtar who essayed Milkha Singh in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s iconic 2013 film, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag shared a heartfelt tribute to the late sports person. 

In a throwback picture with Milkha Singh, Akhtar attached a note reading, “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 its 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. 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 as a constant source of inspiration and a reminder of humility in success. I love you with all my heart."

Shah Rukh Khan recalled Milkha Singh as an inspiration and tweeted, “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.”

Punjab’s chief minister, Capt. Amrinder Singh professed his grief over this loss and tweeted that Milkha Singh’s demise marked the end of an era and “India and Punjab are poorer today”.

Milkha Singh was a four-time Asian Games gold medallist and Commonwealth Games gold medallist. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s 2013 biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag chronicled the life and journey of the iconic Indian athlete - his childhood, the hurdles he overcame and how he eventually became a world champion. While Farhan Akhtar essayed Milkha Singh in the film, Sonam Kapoor was seen playing his love-interest. The movie also stars Divya Dutta in the role of his sister. The movie is available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.