Milkha Singh passes away due to COVID-19 related complications

The former sprinter breathed his last late Friday.

Milkha Singh passed away Friday night at the age of 91 after battling with COVID-19 for over a month. He was admitted to ICU since June 3 due to dipping O2 levels.

Known as the Flying Sikh, the legendary Indian sprinter contracted the virus on May 20 after one of their family cooks tested positive. He was then admitted to a private hospital in Mohali on May 24.

Milkha Singh had been discharged on May 30 before he was admitted to the COVID-19 ward at PGIMER on June 3 due to dipping O2 levels. However, he had tested negative on Thursday earlier this week and was shifted from the COVID ICU to the medical ICU at PGIMER.

The Olympian had lost his wife Nirmal Milkha Singh on 13 June due to COVID-19 related complications.

According to PTI, Milkha Singh's condition turned critical on Friday evening. He developed various complications, including fever and dropping of oxygen saturation level.

He was born in Gobindpura, now in Pakistan, on November 30, 1928, and won various accolades in his illustrious career. Milkha Singh was the first Indian athlete to win Gold at the Commonwealth Games in 1958. Krishna Poonia broke his record when she won a Gold medal in Discus Throw during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. 

Tribute pours in for the former athlete

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to pay tribute to Milkha Singh. He wrote, "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."

Narendra Modi added, "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."

https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1405962664442949635

Star Indian Badminton player Jwala Gutta also expressed her feelings on the demise of the legendary athlete. She tweeted, "What an inspiration you were to the millions like us. There will be none like you sir. Rest in peace legend."

Milkha Singh had also won four Gold medals in Asian Games. He missed an Olympic medal by a whisker during the 1960 Rome Olympics. The Indian legend finished fourth in the 400m final at the Rome Olympic Stadium.

He also created a national record of 45.6 seconds in 400m. Paramjeet Singh later broke his record in 1998. Milkha Singh will continue to inspire millions of sportspersons around the world.

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