'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh passes away; nation pays homage to the legend

NEW DELHI: The 'Flying Sikh of India' Milkha Singh passed away on Friday night after battling with COVID-19.

His wife Nirmal Kaur, a former national volleyball captain, succumbed to the virus a few days back.

Reportedly, the cremation of the legendary sprinter will be held at 5 pm today in Chandigarh with full state honours.

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The entire nation mourned his demise and paid homage to the icon.

"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," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Paying homage to the Flying Sikh, the Indian Army tweeted "#IndianArmy pays homage to Honorary Captain Milkha Singh – The Flying Sikh, a true legend who will continue to inspire generations of sportspersons. The legendary athlete will always be remembered for many firsts in the field of athletics".

"Your demise has left a deep void in every Indian’s heart today, but you shall keep inspiring several generations to come", said Sachin Tendulkar mourning his demise.

Actor Farhan Akhtar who played the lead role in Milkha Singh's biopic wrote an emotional note on the death of the legend.

"Dearest Milkha ji, 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", wrote the actor.

The legendary sprinter was 91 at the time of his death and is survived by his golfer son Jeev Milkha Singh and three daughters.

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