Legendary sprinter Flying Milkha Singh passed away after a long fight with COVID 19 on Friday night. He was admitted to PGIMER. The 91-year-old, who contracted COVID-19 last month, tested negative for the virus on Wednesday and was shifted to general ICU in another block of the hospital. However, on Friday evening, his condition got critical. Milkha Singh's 85-year-old wife Nirmal Kaur, who had also been infected by the virus, has also passed away at a private hospital in Mohali on Sunday.
"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," his family announced in a statement. "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," the statement further added. He "was treated for Covid there till 13th June when after putting up a valiant battle with Covid, Milkha Singh Ji tested negative," the hospital said in a statement.
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"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," the statement added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary sprinter. "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," PM Modi tweeted.
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. pic.twitter.com/h99RNbXI28
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 18, 2021
"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," he added in another tweet.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 18, 2021
The legendary athlete is a four-time Asian Games gold medallist and 1958 Commonwealth Games champion but his greatest performance remains the fourth-place finish in the 400m final of the 1960 Rome Olympics.He also represented India in the 1956 and 1964 Olympics and was bestowed the Padma Shri in 1959.
The iconic sprinter's life story was brought to screen in 2013's Bhaag Milkha Bhaag directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and starring Farhan Akhtar in the title role.
(Source: Twitter)
