Milkha Singh passes away: India pays tribute to 'colossal sportsperson', 'The Flying Sikh'

India mourned the end of an era as it paid homage to sprint icon Milkha Singh, who died on Friday after battling COVID-19 for a month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led 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.”

I had spoken to Shri Milkha Singh Ji just a few days ago. Little did I know that it would be our last conversation. Several budding athletes will derive strength from his life journey. My condolences to his family and many admirers all over the world.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 18, 2021

India’s athletes also paid homage to one of its most inspiring figures, who continued to be a keen observer even after quitting the track. Tokyo Olympics-bound Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra 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

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

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

At MoYAS, we are deeply saddened with the demise of legendary athlete Shri #MilkhaSingh Ji. The nation has lost a precious jewel of Indian sports,today. His life journey will continue inspiring generations to come.

Our sincere condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/5Ry1JvzcKa

— Dept of Sports MYAS (@IndiaSports) June 18, 2021

“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. Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted, “Milkha Singh Ji has left us but he will continue to inspire every Indian to shine for India.”

मैं आपसे वादा करता हूँ मिल्खा सिंह जी कि हम आपकी अंतिम इच्छा को पूरा करेंगे।
India has lost it's 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🙏 pic.twitter.com/mQVRvfozkB

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) 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.”

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

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 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

Many across verticals also paid their respects to the departed star of Indian athletics.

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

Rest in Peace our very own ‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh ji.

Your demise has left a deep void in every Indian’s heart today, but you shall keep inspiring several generations to come. pic.twitter.com/ImljefeUEN

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 19, 2021

We may not have seen you compete, but every time we ran fast as kids, we ran 'like Milkha Singh'. And for me, that will always be the legend you leave behind. You didn't just run, you inspired. Rest in peace, sir. #MilkhaSingh pic.twitter.com/SbwrqJJHx9

— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) June 19, 2021

The Flying Sikh has flown away but the legend shall live on forever! #MilkhaSingh

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) June 19, 2021

Saddened by the passing away of Milkha Singh ji. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends 🙏 pic.twitter.com/QuQfChhlru

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 19, 2021

What #MilkhaSingh ji achieved through his grit, determination, hardwork and exemplary talent will remain a part of Indian sports folklore. A life to be celebrated. My Condolences to his family. Om Shanti 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/i1g270kKf3

— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) June 19, 2021

Post independence, when India was starved for sporting heroes, Milkha Singh was a colossus. A proud army man, his golds at two Asian & the Commonwealth Games & his win against Pakistan's Abdul Khaliq in Pak in 1960 resulted in national celebrations.
We just lost a legend. pic.twitter.com/UI1HPStxRd

— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) June 19, 2021

Sad to hear the passing away of the legend #MilkhaSingh ji. His legacy will live on for generations to come. My heartfelt condolences to his family and well-wishers. Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/YgSRGaH9iP

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) June 19, 2021

The Flying Sikh may no longer be with us in person but his presence will always be felt and his legacy will remain unmatched... An inspiration to me... an inspiration to millions. Rest in Peace Milkha Singh sir.

— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) June 18, 2021

Heartbreaking to hear that flying Sikh legend Milkha Singh sir is no more. The nation will always remember you sir and seek an inspiration from your life forever. RIP #MilkhaSingh sir pic.twitter.com/wnASq5QUUf

— Hima Das (@HimaDas8) June 18, 2021

How can my generation explain what Milkha Singh meant to us?
He wasn’t just an athlete. To a society still suffering the insecurities of post-colonialism he was a sign that we could be the best in the world. Thank you, Milkha Singhji, for giving us that confidence. Om Shanti 🙏🏽

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) June 18, 2021

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

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

Milkha Singh was a four-time Asian Games gold-medallist and the 1958 Commonwealth Games champion but his greatest performance was a near miss, 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 and he was bestowed the Padma Shri in 1959.