Guwahati: Legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh or just the “Flying Sikh” passed away on Friday due post-COVID complications at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh. He died at the age of 91.
Singh was tested positive for COVID-19 on May 19 but since he was asymptomatic, he was kept on home isolation but on May 24, he was admitted in a ICU of a private hospital in Mohali. He had COVID pneumonia and since his condition deteriorated, he was moved to the PGIMER on June 3.
An statement by Milkha Singh’s family read, “”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.”
The statement further added, “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.”
According to the statement, while he was being treated in the hospital, he was tested negative June 13 and since he was negative of the virus, he had post-COVID complications. Due to this he was shifted to a medical ICU.
“But despite best of the efforts by the medical team, Milkha Singh ji could not be retrieved from his critical condition and after a brave fight, he left for his heavenly abode at 11.30 pm on 18th June 2021 here at PGIMER,” the statement added.
The ‘Flying Sikh’, Milkha Singh won four gold medals at the Asian Games. He also won a gold at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff.