New Delhi: The nation mourned the end of an era as it paid homage to nonagenarian sprint icon Milkha Singh, who died on Friday after battling COVID-19 for a month, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the tributes by describing him as a “colossal sportsperson”.
Milkha died at Chandigarh’s PGIMER hospital, less than a week after he lost his wife Nirmal Kaur, a former national volleyball captain, to the same ailment.
He was 91 and is survived by his golfer son Jeev Milkha Singh and three daughters.
“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,” PM Modi said in a tweet.
“His inspiring personality endeared himself to millions. Anguished by his passing away.”
On the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Ashtami, greetings and best wishes to everyone, particularly the Kashmiri Pandit community. We bow to Mata Kheer Bhawani and pray for everybody’s health and wellness.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 18, 2021
India’s sporting fraternity also paid homage to one of its most inspiring figures, who continued to be a keen observer even after quitting the track.
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.”
We lost a Gem. He will always remain as an inspiration for every Indian. May his soul Rest in peace🙏🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/7gT2x8Bury
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) June 18, 2021
Condoling the death, Home Minister Amit Shah said the one of the brightest stars of Indian sports has been lost.
“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”
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. pic.twitter.com/HsHMXYHypx
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 18, 2021
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.
SAI learns with immense sadness of 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. pic.twitter.com/rZlSM9sMaD
— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) June 18, 2021
Athletics Federation of India said in a tweet: “Very very sad news for all #Indians, legend Shri Milkha Singh Ji passed away.”
Very very sad news for all #Indians, legend Shri Milkha Singh Ji passed away just a while back.
— Athletics Federation of India (@afiindia) June 18, 2021
AFI President Adille Sumariwalla called Milkha “a Titan who lifted the profile of athletics in a young nation…” “…His sharp observations on Indian sport will be missed. His towering legacy will continue to inspire generations of young Indians. Rest in peace legend.”
A Titan who lifted the profile of athletics in a young nation, his sharp observations on Indian sport will be missed. His towering legacy will continue to inspire generations of young Indians. Rest in peace legend 🙏🏻 – @Adille1 President AFI pic.twitter.com/jtLKaGM2Bc
— Athletics Federation of India (@afiindia) June 18, 2021
“A huge loss for the sport of athletics today. Rest well #MilkhaSingh ji,” Olympian Anju Bobby George tweeted.
A huge loss for the sport of athletics today. Rest well #MilkhaSingh ji.
— Anju Bobby George (@anjubobbygeorg1) June 18, 2021
“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.
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
— Muhammed Anas Yahiya (@muhammedanasyah) June 18, 2021
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.”
Very sad,heartbreaking to hear flying sikh Sardar Milkha singh ji is no more.. 🙏🙏 waheguru 🙏🙏 #RIPMilkhaSinghji
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 18, 2021
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
Had the honour of meeting you and you blessed me so many times .. the kindest and warmest 🤲🏽 RIP Milkha Singh sir .. the world will miss a legend like you .. #MilkhaSingh
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) June 18, 2021
“Really shocked and sad to learn about the passing away of the legend Milkha Singh ji. Om Shanti,” Javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia said.
Really shocked and sad to learn about the passing away of the legend Milkha Singh ji.
Om Shanti https://t.co/G40FKyPudX— Devendra Jhajharia (Modi ka Parivar) (@DevJhajharia) June 18, 2021
Decorated doubles badminton player Jwala Gutta also joined in expressing her sadness.
“What an inspiration you were to the millions like us…. There will be none like you sir Rest in peace legend MilkhaSingh,” she posted.
What an inspiration you were to the millions like us….
There will be none like you sir 🙏🏻
Rest in peace legend 🙏🏻#MilkhaSingh 🇮🇳 🙇♀️— Gutta Jwala 💙 (@Guttajwala) June 18, 2021
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.”
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 pic.twitter.com/Uo8OjUMZIo
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 18, 2021
Assam Chief Minsiter 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!”
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! pic.twitter.com/EVQs0ipkUw
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 18, 2021
Indian wicketkeeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha, squash player Joshna Chinappa and shooter Sanjeev Rajput also paid homage to the sprint icon.
“Saddened by the passing away of #MilkhaSingh ji. RIP the Flying Sikh. An inspiration for millions. A great loss to our nation,” Saha tweeted.
Saddened by the passing away of #MilkhaSingh ji. RIP the Flying Sikh. An inspiration for millions. A great loss to our nation. pic.twitter.com/ObtPBg4eni
— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) June 18, 2021
“Very saddened to hear about the passing of Milkha Singh Sir. A True Legend and Champion. You will be greatly missed. RIP Sir,” Chinappa wrote.
Very saddened to hear about the passing of Milkha Singh Sir. A True Legend and Champion. You will be greatly missed. RIP Sir✨ pic.twitter.com/rfjRfj5YMT
— Joshna Chinappa (@joshnachinappa) June 18, 2021
“A great loss to the nation. Rest in Peace legend #MilkhaSingh ji. Om Shanti,” Rajput tweeted.
A great loss to the nation. Rest in Peace legend #MilkhaSingh ji.
Om Shanti 🙏— Sanjeev Rajput OLY (@sanjeevrajput1) June 18, 2021
All India Football federation president Praful Patel said: “Deeply pained to learn about the passing of ‘The Flying Sikh’ Shri #MilkhaSingh Ji. The legendary athlete made India proud with his sporting achievements & his legacy will continue to be one of the most inspiring stories in Indian sports. May his soul rest in eternal peace”
Deeply pained to learn about the passing of 'The Flying Sikh' Shri #MilkhaSingh Ji. The legendary athlete made India proud with his sporting achievements & his legacy will continue to be one of the most inspiring stories in Indian sports. May his soul rest in eternal peace 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Jx9bzwqGsO
— Praful Patel (@praful_patel) June 18, 2021
“Sad to hear about the passing away of legendary Indian sprinter Sardar #MilkhaSingh . He will always remain an inspiration for all. Om Shanti,” Union Minister Praksh Javadekar said.
Sad to hear about the passing away of legendary Indian sprinter Sardar #MilkhaSingh . He will always remain an inspiration for all. Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/unms0yfOoV
— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) June 18, 2021
