Country pays its respects to 'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh
What's the story
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. "In the passing away of Shri Milkha Singh Ji, we have lost a colossal sportsperson, who captured the hearts of countless Indians," PM Modi said in a tweet.
Twitter Post
He has a special place in our hearts: Modi
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
Death
Sporting fraternity paid tribute to the sprinter
Milkha Singh died at Chandigarh's PGIMER hospital, less than a week after he lost his wife Nirmal Kaur. He was 91 and is survived by his golfer son Jeev Milkha Singh and three daughters. India's sporting fraternity also paid homage to one of its most inspiring figures. Olympic-bound star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra tweeted, "We lost a Gem. May his soul Rest in peace."
Twitter Post
He will always remain an inspiration: Chopra
We lost a Gem. He will always remain as an inspiration for every Indian. May his soul Rest in peace🙏🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/7gT2x8Bury
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) June 18, 2021
Sports authorities
'A Titan who lifted the profile of athletics in India'
Sports Authority of India (SAI) expressed immense sadness at the demise of one of India's greatest ever sportspersons 'The Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh. Athletics Federation of India President Adele Sumariwalla called him a Titan who lifted the profile of athletics in a young nation. "A huge loss for the sport of athletics today. Rest well #MilkhaSingh ji," Olympian Anju Bobby George tweeted.
Twitter Post
Here is Sports Authority of India's tweet
SAI learns with immense sadness of 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. pic.twitter.com/rZlSM9sMaD
— SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) June 18, 2021
Other sports
Sports personalities took to Twitter to express their sorrow
Cricketer Harbhajan Singh also offered his condolences on the micro-blogging site. Indian tennis star Sania Mirza said, "Palms up together. RIP Milkha Singh sir!" Decorated doubles badminton player Jwala Gutta also joined in expressing her sadness. The official handle of the Indian football team also mourned Milkha Singh's death. "We join the nation in mourning the loss of the iconic Milkha Singh," they tweeted.
Twitter Post
Bowler Harbhajan Singh prayed for the sprinter's soul
Very sad,heartbreaking to hear flying sikh Sardar Milkha singh ji is no more.. 🙏🙏 waheguru 🙏🙏 #RIPMilkhaSinghji
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 18, 2021
Condolences
Wriddhiman Saha, Joshna Chinappa also expressed grief
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. "A great loss to the nation. Rest in Peace legend #MilkhaSingh ji. Om Shanti," Rajput wrote.
Twitter Post
You will be missed: Chinappa
Very saddened to hear about the passing of Milkha Singh Sir. A True Legend and Champion. You will be greatly missed. RIP Sir✨ pic.twitter.com/rfjRfj5YMT
— Joshna Chinappa (@joshnachinappa) June 18, 2021