Homage to the Sportsman with Unparalleled Integrity Cherished are those whose humane spirit inspires us to find purpose despite adversity

Padma Shri Milkha Singh, India’s iconic athlete known the world over as the Flying Sikh breathed his last fighting Covid-19, aged 91

The ground beneath the feet of the Flying Sikh stopped moving on 18 June 2021 when he succumbed to the virus. We have lost an unforgettable sports icon whose sportsmanship and track presence had placed the nation at a high pedestal in the field of athletics.

Shri Milkha Singh was no less than a wonder in the world of sports. His humble beginnings and initial struggle did not deter him from pursuing his dreams. Sheer hard work and dedication combined with a sense of acute patriotism to his sport and nation saw the sprinter participate and win some of the most prestigious sports honours in the world.

The tracks became his second abode while he was serving in the Indian Army and thereafter, he kept Shri Milkha Singh sprinting in the race ahead. Having represented India (20 November 1929 – 18 June 2021) several times in The Summer Olympics at Melbourne (1956), Rome (1960) and Tokyo (1964), he will be  remembered forever for his nail biting fourth-place finish in the 400 metres final at the 1960 Olympic “When I reflect upon my life, I can clearly Games, competing with some of the best names in see how my passion for running has athletics. He created the record finish of 45.73 seconds dominated my life. The images that flash which remained a national record for nearly 40 years till through my mind are those of 1998. Gold medals graced his endeavours at the 400 running…running…running…” metres race at Asian Games (1958 and 1962) and also in the Commonwealth Games. Shri Milkha Singh was aptly nicknamed as ‘The Flying Sikh’ by General Ayub Khan when he literally and metaphorically shot past his competitor during a race in Pakistan. This name is truly allegorical in all that he was and all that he has achieved. He was awarded Padma Shri which was awarded to him in 1959.

The man who only knew how to ‘fly ‘and ‘run’ has inspired many and will continue to motivate a nation where sports is a way of life. The sprinter’s spectacular performances on the track are incomparable and his modest and unassuming persona will remain alive in our minds forever. We mourn his loss but will always celebrate his spirit and remember him with a pride that befits the global inspiration he was.