NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, JUNE 19
President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday said the demise of Milkha Singh fills his heart with grief and that the story of the sporting icon’s struggles and strength of character will continue to inspire generations of Indians.
The passing of sporting icon Milkha Singh fills my heart with grief. The story of his struggles and strength of character will continue to inspire generations of Indians. My deepest condolences to his family members, and countless admirers.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 18, 2021
The 91-year-old sprint legend died at a hospital in Chandigarh on Friday 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.
“The passing of sporting icon Milkha Singh fills my heart with grief. The story of his struggles and strength of character will continue to inspire generations of Indians. My deepest condolences to his family members, and countless admirers,” Kovind tweeted.
PM Modi calls him ‘colossal sportsperson’
The nation mourned the end of an era as it paid homage to nonagenarian sprint icon Milkha Singh, who died on Friday after battling COVID-19 for a month, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the tributes by describing him as a “colossal sportsperson”.
He was 91 and is survived by his golfer son Jeev Milkha Singh and three daughters.
“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,” PM Modi said in a tweet.
“His inspiring personality endeared himself to millions. Anguished by his passing away.”
India’s sporting fraternity also paid homage to one of its most inspiring figures, who continued to be a keen observer even after quitting the track.
Olympic-bound star javelin throwers Neeraj Copra tweeted “We lost a Gem. He will always remain as an inspiration for every Indian. May his soul Rest in peace.”
Condoling the death, Home Minister Amit Shah said the one of the brightest stars of Indian sports has been lost.
“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”
Sports Authority of India (SAI) expressed “immense sadness at the demise of one of India’s greatest ever sportspersons ”The Flying Sikh” Milkha Singh.
“A gold medalist at the CWG & Asian Games, he held the 400m National record for 38 years. Condolences to his family & the millions whom he inspired,” the SAI said in a tweet.
Athletics Federation of India said in a tweet: “Very very sad news for all #Indians, legend Shri Milkha Singh Ji passed away.”
AFI President Adille Sumariwalla called Milkha “a Titan who lifted the profile of athletics in a young nation…”
“…his sharp observations on Indian sport will be missed. His towering legacy will continue to inspire generations of young Indians. Rest in peace legend.”
“A huge loss for the sport of athletics today. Rest well #MilkhaSingh ji,” Olympian Anju Bobby George tweeted.
“Really shocked by the demise of the legend Milkha sir. You will forever have a very special place in my heart.The Flying Sikh will live forever. RIP” Indian sprinter Mohamad Anas Yahiya.
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh also expressed also expressed his condolences on the micro-blogging site.
“Very sad, heartbreaking to hear flying sikh Sardar Milkha singh ji is no more… waheguru RIPMilkhaSinghji.”
Indian tennis star Sania Mirza said “Had the honour of meeting you and you blessed me so many times .. the kindest and warmest Palms up together RIP Milkha Singh sir .. the world will miss a legend like you ..MilkhaSingh
“Really shocked and sad to learn about the passing away of the legend Milkha Singh ji. Om Shanti,” Javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia said.
Decorated doubles badminton player Jwala Gutta also joined in expressing her sadness.
“What an inspiration you were to the millions like us…. There will be none like you sir Rest in peace legend MilkhaSingh,” she posted.
The official handle of the Indian football team also mourned Milkha’s death.
“We join the nation in mourning the loss of the iconic ”Flying Sikh” Milkha Singh. His incredible achievements will continue to inspire future generations. May his soul rest in peace RIP.”
Assam Chief Minister Himanata Biswa Sarma said: “Saddened at the demise of ‘Flying Sikh’ Captain Milkha Singh. His laurels had not only made India swell with pride but also inspired generations of sports enthusiasts. My condolences to his family. Om Shanti!”
Indian wicketkeeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha, squash player Joshna Chinappa and shooter Sanjeev Rajput also paid homage to the sprint icon.
“Saddened by the passing away of #MilkhaSingh ji. RIP the Flying Sikh. An inspiration for millions. A great loss to our nation,” Saha tweeted.
“Very saddened to hear about the passing of Milkha Singh Sir. A True Legend and Champion. You will be greatly missed. RIP Sir,” Chinappa wrote.
“A great loss to the nation. Rest in Peace legend #MilkhaSingh ji. Om Shanti,” Rajput tweeted.
All India Football Federation president Praful Patel said: “Deeply pained to learn about the passing of ”The Flying Sikh” Shri #MilkhaSingh Ji. The legendary athlete made India proud with his sporting achievements & his legacy will continue to be one of the most inspiring stories in Indian sports. May his soul rest in eternal peace”
“Sad to hear about the passing away of legendary Indian sprinter Sardar #MilkhaSingh . He will always remain an inspiration for all. Om Shanti,” Union Minister Praksh Javadekar said.
India remembers her flying Sikh: Rahul
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday condoled the demise of sprint legend Milkha Singh and said he was not just a sports star but a source of inspiration for millions of Indians for his dedication and resilience.
“Shri Milkha Singh ji was not just a sports star but a source of inspiration for millions of Indians for his dedication and resilience,” Gandhi tweeted.
“My condolences to his family and friends. India remembers her #FlyingSikh,” the former Congress chief said.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also paid tributes to the legendary athlete, saying whenever stories of flight of ambition and success will be told in the country, then the name of such a person will definitely be taken who gave new heights to the dreams of the country and crores of Indian youth on the race track.
The Congress, in an official tweet, said, “We are deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Milkha Singh. A legendary athlete and an inspiration to millions of Indians, the #FlyingSikh will be remembered for his immense contribution to our nation.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this time of grief,” the party said.
His life will continue to inspire every Indian: Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday condoled the demise of legendary athlete Milkha Singh and said his life will continue to inspire every Indian.
Terming the sprint legend’s demise as an end to a glorious chapter, the chief minister said he will remain immortal in the hearts of the people.
“Demise of Flying Sikh Milkha Singh, who brought laurels to India in the world, is an end to a glorious chapter. His life will continue to inspire every Indian to dream and work hard to fulfil them. He will always remain immortal in our hearts. Condolences,” Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.
