Legendary athlete Milkha Singh dies at 91 due to post Covid-19 complications

Legendary Indian athlete Milkha Singh died on Friday night with Covid-19 related issues in a Chandigarh hospital. He was 91. Milkha Singh had tested positive for Covid-19 last month. Notably, Milkha Singh's wife Nirmal Kaur had passed away just five days ago due to the same illness.

Fondly called the Flying Sikh, Milkha Singh had tested positive for the virus on May 20 and was admitted to a private hospital in Mohali on May 24. Singh was on May 30 before he was admitted on June 3 due to dipping oxygen levels. The former Indian athlete had tested negative on Thursday earlier this week.

Born in Gobindpura – in present day Pakistan – Milkha Singh was 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 at the 1960 Rome. He also represented India in the 1956 and 1964 Olympics and was bestowed the Padma Shri in 1959.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Milha Singh's death on Twitter. The PM wrote, "in the passing away of Milkha Singh, we have lost a colossal sportsperson, who captured the nation’s imagination and had a special place in the hearts of countless Indians. His inspiring personality endeared himself to millions. Several budding athletes will derive strength from his life journey. "

Singh is survived by three daughters – and son Jeev Milkha Singh, who is a golfer.