The former sprinter passed away on Friday at the age of 91. He had tested positive for COVID-19 in May this year.
One of the country's earliest sports heroes, Milkha Singh died of COVID-19 related complications in a hospital in Chandigarh late on Friday night, leaving the whole nation in shock and disbelief.
The former sprinter passed away on Friday at the age of 91. He had tested positive for COVID-19 in May this year.
Taking to Twitter, Ganguly wrote: "Extremely saddened by this news ..RIP ,India's one of the greatest sportsman..you have made young Indians dream of becoming an athlete..had the privilege of knowing you so closely.."
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar echoed the sentiments and wrote: "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."
India coach Ravi Shastri recalled how the track legend shook the world with his competitive spirit in spite of limited facilities.
"India's greatest @Olympics runner. Shook the world in 60s with his competitive spirit inspite of the most limited facilities. He took the word determination and will to compete to another level. Respect. God bless your soul. Condolences to @JeevMilkhaSingh & family," he wrote on Twitter.
Former India opener Virender Sehwag said while Milkha Singh passed away on Friday, the name will live on as being synonymous with courage and will-power."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," he wrote.
Ace Indian sprinter Hima Das on Saturday not only remembered the tips given by Milkha Singh but also reminisced the words of the late track legend which motivated her to aim for the best.
Hima, who won the World Championship U20 title and a medal in Asian Games, said the legendary sprinter had told her that he wanted to see her winning a gold medal in Olympics.
"I remember sir (Milkha) spoke to me during the World Championship in Finland and I am now missing whatever he told me. He always used to say that hard work is the key to success and during the World championship he told me that 'Hima be serious from now, you have to give good timing in Asian Games' being in discipline and listening to coach is important he used to tell me," Hima told ANI.
"And when I gave good timing in Asian Games he again called me and said 'before I die I want to see one gold medal in Olympic and you have enough time because you have just started you can do it keep working hard and be dedicated'. At that time I was 18 years old so I am missing those things," she added.
Hima said Milkha Singh had expectations from her and she will always remember the tips of the track legend. "He had expectations from me and had also called me at his residence but for some reason, I couldn't go there. I really wanted to see sir," said Hima.
"I will always remember the tips of sir and will improve our sport. When I started my journey Milkha Singh was the first name which I came to know and how he used to run. I feel really lucky that sir always spoke to me and guided me," she added.
Expressing condolences over Milkha's demise, Hima said, " Milkha Singh Sir was an inspiration for the entire nation, all his memories are coming in front of my eyes."
Milkha Singh had tested positive for COVID-19 last month and was in isolation at his home in Chandigarh before he was admitted to the ICU of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) hospital in Chandigarh.
His wife, Nirmal Milkha Singh succumbed to COVID-19 at the age of 85 on June 13. The legendary athlete was a four-time Asian Games gold-medallist and 1958 Commonwealth Games champion. He was the only Indian athlete to win Gold in the Asian and Commonwealth Championship.
He was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his sporting achievements. He is survived by one son and three daughters. His son Jeev Milkha Singh is also a renowned Golfer.
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