Milkha Singh A champion who never gave up, even when the odds were stacked against him
Indian track and field sprinter Milkha Singh, commonly known as the “Flying Sikh,” became interested in the sport while serving in the Indian Army. He is the first athlete to have won gold in the 400 metres in both the Asian and Commonwealth Games. He also took home gold in the Asian Games in 1958 and 1962. He competed for India at the Melbourne Summer Olympics in 1956, the Rome Summer Olympics in 1960, and the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 1964. For his athletic accomplishments, he received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian distinction.
For over 40 years, Singh’s timing of 45.73 seconds in fourth place stood as the national record for India. Singh has gone from humble origins, including being abandoned and uprooted during India’s Partition, to becoming a national athletic hero. Singh was referred to as “the finest athlete India has ever produced” by columnist Rohit Brijnath in 2008. Five days after his wife, Nirmal Saini, Singh passed away at the age of 91 from COVID-19 complications.
Milkha Singh’s career:
- Won gold medals in the 400 metres at the 1958 and 1962 Asian Games
- Won gold medals in the 400 metres and 4×400 metres relay at the 1960 Commonwealth Games
- Represented India at the 1956, 1960, and 1964 Summer Olympics
- Awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour
- Considered one of the greatest athletes India has ever produced
Milkha Singh was a true inspiration to many people around the world. He overcame great challenges in his life to become a successful athlete and a national icon. His story is a testament to the power of determination and hard work.
Milkha Singh Family
- Born on 20 November 1929 in Gobindpura village, Faisalabad district, Punjab, British India (now Pakistan)
- Son of Tehal Singh and Inderjeet Kaur
- Married Nirmal Kaur in 1962
- Had three daughters and a son
Milkha Singh Individual life
- Known for his never-give-up attitude
- Received the Padma Shri in 1959, the Padma Bhushan in 1980, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2001
- Awarded the Arjuna Award in 1960 and the Khel Ratna Award in 1965
- Made an honorary Colonel in the Indian Army in 1975
- Featured in the 2013 Bollywood film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, which was based on his life
- Died on 6 June 2021 at the age of 91 due to post-COVID-19 complications
Legacy
- Considered one of the greatest athletes in Indian history
- Inspired generations of athletes with his never-give-up attitude
- His life story is an inspiration to all who have ever faced challenges in their lives
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