Mumbai: Indian sports icon Milkha Singh passed away last night (June 18) after a long battle against COVID-19. The former Indian sprinter, who is also known as the ‘Flying Sikh’ was 91 years old when he breathed his last. Milkha Singh tested positive for COVID-19 on May 20 and was admitted to the ICU on June 3 due to dipping oxygen level.


Many Bollywood celebrities including Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Akshay Kumar and others paid tribute to the legend through their social media. Farhan Akhtar, who portrayed the character of Milkha Singh in the biopic ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ also paid a heartfelt tribute to the legend.


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Taking to his social media, Farhan shared a heart-warming post for the late athlete. The ‘Toofan’ actor shared a note that read, “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 it's 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.”



Also, after the death of the ‘Flying Sikh’, his family issued a statement. As quoted by ANI, the statement read, “It is with extreme sadness that we would like to inform you that Milkha Singh Ji passed away. He fought hard but God has his ways and it was perhaps true love and companionship that both our mother Nirmal ji & now Dad have passed away in a matter of 5 days.”


Milkha Singh passed away 5 days after the demise of his wife Nirmal Milkha Singh.


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Stay tuned for more updates.