Legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh passed away on June 18 (Friday) due to post-Covid complications. He was being treated at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research.
The 91-year-old had tested positive for COVID-19 on May 19 but was in home isolation at his Chandigarh residence after revealing that he was asymptomatic. However, a few days later on May 24, the legendary athlete was admitted to the ICU of Mohali’s Fortis hospital due to “COVID pneumonia”. He was then moved to PGIMER in Chandigarh on June 3.
Milkha Singh passed away five days after his wife Nirmala succumbed to post COVID-19 complications. The family issued an official statement that reads:
“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,” his family announced in a statement.
“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,” the statement further added.
The hospital has also issued a statement saying that Milkha Singh recovered from COVID19 on June 13 but despite the valiant efforts by the doctors he couldn’t be retrieved completely.
He “was treated for Covid there till 13th June when after putting up a valiant battle with Covid, Milkha Singh Ji tested negative,” the hospital said in a statement.
“However, due to post-Covid complications, he was shifted out of Covid Hospital to 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 entire country came to a standstill with the news of Milkha Singh. The cricket fraternity also mourned the death of the legendary Olympian. From Sachin Tendulkar to Suresh Raina, everyone poured heartfelt condolences to his family.
Here are some of the reactions:
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
The Flying Sikh has flown away but the legend shall live on forever! #MilkhaSingh
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) June 19, 2021
Deeply saddened to hear the passing of Milkha SinghJi. His legacy will live on… a true legend and an icon. Condolences to his family and friends. 🙏🏽
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) June 19, 2021
The great man #MilkaSingh ji has left us in body, but the name Milkha will always live on as being synonymous with courage and will-power.
What a man. My sincere condolences to his family. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/AW2FbM3zg1— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 19, 2021
The flying Sikh of india #MilkhaSingh ji is no more 💔 💔🙏🙏rest in peace sir 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/mu4y0SVcYa
— Rahul Sharma (@ImRahulSharma3) June 18, 2021
Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of #MilkhaSingh ji. The man who inspired many like me, will always remain in our hearts. Our condolences to the family. #OmShanti 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/PBbJ37tas9
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) June 19, 2021
Extremely saddened to hear about the demise of legendary Milkha Singh Ji. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to friends & family. pic.twitter.com/s8sRuA9AeY
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) June 19, 2021
An inspiration to so many that transcends time and generations May your soul merge with light and attain Sadgati 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/ZIpjBjFyUQ
— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) June 19, 2021
Only for true legends like #MilkhaSingh ji, words are never enough to describe his greatness and contribution. Om Shanti 🙏
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) June 19, 2021
Extremely saddened by the passing away of Milkha Singh. He was the father figure for all sportsmen. May his soul rest in peace.
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) June 19, 2021
