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Prime Minister Narendra Modi lead the nation in morning the demise of legend Milkha Singh , saying the country has lost a colossal sportsperson who captured the nation’s imagination and had a special place in the hearts of countless Indians.
The 91-year-old died at a hospital in Chandigarh after a month-long battle with COVID-19, during which he lost his wife and former national volleyball captain Nirmal Kaur to the same ailment. He became the first Indian athlete to win an individual gold in a Commonwealth Games, which led to then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru declaring a national holiday on his request.
That he an icon was beyond doubt, his feats said it all. Milkha was a four-time Asian Games gold-medallist and the 1958 Commonwealth Games champion but his greatest performance was a near miss, the fourth place finish in the 400m final of the 1960 Rome Olympics. His timing at the Italian capital remained the national record for 38 years. He was bestowed the Padma Shri in 1959.
In a series of tweets, Modi 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.”
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
“I 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,” he added.
I 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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 18, 2021
Home Minster Amit Shah said the country lost one of the brightest stars of Indian sports.
“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.”
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
Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
मैं आपसे वादा करता हूँ मिल्खा सिंह जी कि हम आपकी अंतिम इच्छा को पूरा करेंगे।
India has lost it’s star. Milkha Singh Ji has left us but he will continue to inspire every Indian to shine for India. My deepest condolences to the family. I pray for his soul to rest in peace? pic.twitter.com/mQVRvfozkB— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) June 18, 2021
Rahul Gandhi, Former Congress president
Shri Milkha Singh ji was not just a sports star but a source of inspiration for millions of Indians for his dedication and resilience.
My condolences to his family and friends.
India remembers her #FlyingSikh pic.twitter.com/dE70KmiQJz
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 19, 2021
Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP
Grieving the passing away of The legendary Milkha Singh, who incarnated athletics for millions of Indians. “The Flying Sikh” captured the nation’s imagination w/ his life story, his exploits on the track & his strength of character. A painful national loss. OmShanti. pic.twitter.com/9NrefGm34s
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 19, 2021
Capt Amarinder Singh, Punjab Chief Minister
Shri Milkha Singh ji was not just a sports star but a source of inspiration for millions of Indians for his dedication and resilience.
My condolences to his family and friends.
India remembers her #FlyingSikh pic.twitter.com/dE70KmiQJz
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 19, 2021
Virat Kohli, India Cricket Captain
A legacy that inspired a whole nation to aim for excellence. To never give up and chase your dreams. Rest in Peace #MilkhaSingh ji ?. You will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/IXVmM86Hiv
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) June 19, 2021
Gautam Gambhir, BJP MP , East Delhi
The Flying Sikh has flown away but the legend shall live on forever! #MilkhaSingh
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) June 19, 2021
Sania Mirza , Tennis Star
Had the honour of meeting you and you blessed me so many times .. the kindest and warmest ?? RIP Milkha Singh sir .. the world will miss a legend like you .. #MilkhaSingh
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) June 18, 2021
Sachin Tendulkar, Batting legend
Rest in Peace our very own ‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh ji.
Your demise has left a deep void in every Indian’s heart today, but you shall keep inspiring several generations to come. pic.twitter.com/ImljefeUEN
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 19, 2021
