Chandigarh: Legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh has passed away after battling against Covid-19. He was 91 at the time of his death. Singh was tested positive for COVID-19 on May 20 and was in isolation at his Chandigarh residence. The 91-year-old, popularly known as Flying Sikh finally succumb to the disease after a month-long battle.
The legendary athlete is a four-time Asian Games gold medallist and 1958 Commonwealth Games champion but his greatest performance was the fourth place finish in the 400m final of the 1960 Rome Olympics. His timing at the Italian capital remained the national record for 38 years till Paramjeet Singh broke it in 1998. He also represented India in the 1956 and 1964 Olympics and was bestowed the Padma Shri in 1959.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his grief on the death of the Flying Sikh!
Milkha Singh was discharged on May 30 but was admitted again on June 3 at Nehru Hospital Extension at PGIMER in Chandigarh. Singh had already lost his wife, Nirmal Milkha Singh last week due to Covid-19.
Famous golfer and Milkha Singh's son, Jeev Mikha Singh confirmed his death to the Indian Express. PTI too confirmed the news.
India lost its first-ever Commonwealth gold medalist!