The flying Sikh Milkha Singh is dead. It may sound sad for you, but it’s true. He lost his battle of life to Covid-19. On Friday night, he breathed his last in hospital in Chandigarh. Earlier this week, he also lost his wife to the virus. As per the source, he developed the Covid-19 symptoms and tested on 20th May 2021. Nevertheless, family members kept him at home isolated. But the family members admitted him to a private hospital in Mohali on May 24. To date, his health wasn’t stable.
However, on May 30, he was discharged but again, he was admitted to the Covid ward of Nehru Hospital Extension at PGIMER on June 3 owing to the lower oxygen level. Although he was tested negative on Thursday and after discussing with the family members, officials shifted him to the medical ICU.
Since Friday, his health wasn’t stable because he started to face complications in breathing along with fever, cough, and drop in oxygen saturation level.
Statement of Family on the Loss
In a statement, his son, Jeev Milkha Singh, said, “It is with extreme sadness that we would like to inform you that Milkha Singh Ji passed away at 11.30 pm. on the 18th of June 2021. He fought hard, but God has his ways, and it was perhaps true love and companionship that both our mother Nirmal Ji and now Dad have passed away in a matter of 5 days. We are deeply indebted to the doctors at PGI for their valiant efforts and the love and prayers we received from across the world and from yourselves.’’
His wife, Nirmal Kaur, was former Indian women’s volleyball team captain. She also died last week due to increased health complications developed by the virus. Milkha didn’t even attend her cremation because he was admitted to the ICU at the PGI.
After reading Milkha Singh’s death news, the whole nation paid tribute to the legend. Prime minister Narender Modi tweeted his condolence message, which you can check below.
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. His inspiring personality endeared himself to millions. Anguished by his passing away. pic.twitter.com/h99RNbXI28
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 18, 2021
India mourns the sad demise of legendary sprinter Shri Milkha Singh Ji, The Flying Sikh. He has left an indelible mark on world athletics. Nation will always remember him as one of the brightest stars of Indian sports. My deepest condolences to his family and countless followers. pic.twitter.com/HsHMXYHypx
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 18, 2021
Saddened to hear about the demise of Shri Milkha Singh Ji. A legendary sportsman, he will be dearly remembered.
My sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and fans across the world.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 18, 2021
Your life, your struggle, your story will continue to give wings to millions of Indians for generations to come. Rest in peace, Flying Sikh #MilkhaSingh. 🙏🏼@JeevMilkhaSingh pic.twitter.com/yRMHQhr5Ac
— Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) June 18, 2021
