Milkha Singh Death: Legendary sprinter Milkha Singh passed away on Friday after a month-long battle with COVID-19. He was undergoing treatment in Chandigarh. The 91-year-old had tested positive for COVID-19 on May 19 and a few days later on May 24, he was admitted to the ICU of Mohali's Fortis hospital due to "COVID pneumonia". He was then moved to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research in Chandigarh on June 3.
His death came five days after that of his wife and Indian volleyball player Nirmal Kaur also passed away due to post-COVID complications. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended condolences to Singh's family saying, "We've lost a colossal sportsperson, who captured nation’s imagination and had special place in the hearts of Indians. His inspiring personality endeared himself to millions. Anguished by his passing way."
President of India Ram Nath Kovind said in a statement, "The passing of sporting icon Milkha Singh fills my heart with grief." He went on to say that the story of his struggles will continue to inspire generations of Indians.
Several Bollywood celebs too paid tribute to the legend on June 19. Amitabh Bachchan called Singh a "great athlete" and a "greater human" and expressed grief on Twitter.
Farhan Akhtar, who played the titular role in Milkha Singh's biopic - Bhaag Milkha Bhaag - has paid tribute to Singh. Taking to his Twitter account, Akhtar shared a throwback picture with the athlete and wrote, "a part of me is still refusing to accept that you are no more." He added that he inherited the stubborn side from Singh, the side, he says, "that when it sets its mind on something, just never gives up."
Akhtar further noted that Milkha Singh represented "an idea" and "a dream". Calling him a hardworking, honest and determined person, he said the athlete could "lift a person off his knees and get him to touch the sky".
Soon after the news of Singh’s demise was announced by his family, Shah Rukh Khan took to Twitter and wrote, "The Flying Sikh may no longer be with us in person." He said his presence will always be felt and his legacy will remain unmatched, even after all these years. The actor said Singh was an inspiration to him and million others like him.
Akshay Kumar was incredibly sad to hear about the demise and tweeted, "The one character I forever regret not playing on-screen" while Taapsee Pannu wrote, "And he flew away" with a heartbreaking emoji.
Actor Rahul Bose tweeted that in the long hours he spent with Singh he was always struck by his "fierce determination" and his even "fiercer generosity." He called it a sad day for the country. Actor Raveena Tandon shared an old photo with Singh from 2015. “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 !" she wrote.
Singh was a four-time Asian Games gold medallist and the 1958 Commonwealth Games champion. His greatest performance remained the fourth-place finish in the 400m final of the 1960 Rome Olympics.
Feature Image Credit: Hindustan Times
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