Tributes pour in. PM Modi describes him as a “colossal sportsperson”

 I.S. Saluja

CHANDIGARH/ NEW YORK (TIP): The Flying Sikh Milkha Singh died on Friday, June 18, after a month-long battle with COVID-19. The Padma Shri awardee was 91 and is survived by his golfer son Jeev Milkha Singh and three daughters.  “He breathed his last at 11.30 p.m.,” a family spokesperson told PTI.

Milkha Singh’s condition deteriorated as he developed complications, including fever and dipping oxygen saturation levels, after a bout with COVID-19, in the Intensive Care Unit of the PGIMER hospital.

He had contracted COVID-19 last month and tested negative for the virus on Wednesday when he was shifted to general ICU in another block of the hospital. Milkha had been “stable” before Thursday evening.

Milkha’s 85-year-old wife Nirmal, who had also been infected by the virus, passed away at a private hospital in Mohali on Sunday, June 13.

Milkha was admitted to PGIMER on June 3 after his oxygen levels dipped at home following treatment at the Fortis hospital in Mohali for a week.

The legendary athlete is a four-time Asian Games gold medalist and the 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 entire country paid glowing tribute to Indian sprint legend Milkha Singh, with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing him as a “colossal sportsperson who captured the nation’s imagination”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condoling his death described him as a “colossal sportsman”.

“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,” Mr. Modi said in a tweet.

“His inspiring personality endeared himself to millions. Anguished by his passing away.” Olympic bound star javelin throwers Neeraj Copra tweeted “We lost a Gem. He will always remain as an inspiration for every Indian. May his soul Rest in peace.”

Condoling the death, Home Minster Amit Shah said the country lost one of the brightest stars of Indian sports. “India mourns the sad demise of legendary sprinter Shri Milkha Singh Ji, The Flying Sikh. He has left an indelible mark on world athletics. Nation will always remember him as one of the brightest stars of Indian sports. My deepest condolences to his family and countless followers.”

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju said in Milkha’s demise, the country has lost a star. “India has lost its star. Milkha Singh Ji has left us but he will continue to inspire every Indian to shine for India. My deepest condolences to the family. I pray for his soul to rest in peace,” the Minister tweeted.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) expressed “immense sadness at the demise of one of India’s greatest ever sportspersons ‘The Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh.

“A gold medalist at the CWG & Asian Games, he held the 400m National record for 38 years. Condolences to his family & the millions whom he inspired,” the SAI said in a tweet.

Athletics Federation of India said in a tweet: “Very sad news for all #Indians, legend Shri Milkha Singh Ji passed away.” “A huge loss for the sport of athletics today. Rest well #MilkhaSingh ji,” Olympica Anju Bobby George tweeted.

“Really shocked by the demise of the legend Milkha sir. You will forever have a very special place in my heart. The Flying Sikh will live forever. RIP” Indian sprinter Mohamad Anas Yahiya.

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh also expressed also expressed his condolences on the micro-blogging site.

“Very sad, heartbreaking to hear flying sikh Sardar Milkha singh ji is no more… waheguru RIPMilkhaSinghji.” Indian tennis star Sania Mirza said: “Had the honour of meeting you and you blessed me so many times .. the kindest and warmest Palms up together RIP Milkha Singh sir .. the world will miss a legend like you ..MilkhaSingh.”

“Really shocked and sad to learn about the passing away of the legend Milkha Singh ji. Om Shanti,” Javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia said.

Decorated doubles badminton player Jwala Gutta also joined in expressing his sadness.

“What an inspiration you were to the millions like us…. There will be none like you sir Rest in peace legend MilkhaSingh Flag of India Woman bowing deeply,” she posted.

The official handle of the Indian football team also mourned Milkha’s death.

“We join the nation in mourning the loss of the iconic ‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh. His incredible achievements will continue to inspire future generations. May his soul rest in peace RIP.”

Assam Chief Minister Himanata Biswa Sarma said: “Saddened at the demise of ‘Flying Sikh’ Captain Milkha Singh. His laurels had not only made India swell with pride but also inspired generations of sports enthusiasts. My condolences to his family. Om Shanti!”

The news of Milkha Singh’s death shocked the Indian American community in the US.

Paul Sihota from California called the offices of The Indian Panorama to convey his condolences as did many Punjabi sports lovers who held him in great esteem. Milkha Singh has always been a role model and an inspiration to budding sportspersons in the Diaspora.

To me, who had known him for years and sought his guidance in organizing two Punjab State level sports events, his going away is a painful personal loss.  The void created by his passing away will not be filled. I pray for peace to his departed soul even as I mourn the loss a few days earlier of his beloved wife Nirmal Milkha Singh. I pray for strength enough to the bereaved son Jeev Milkha Singh and the three daughters to bear the irreparable loss.

(With inputs from PTI)