Milkha Singh Death News Highlights: Flying Sikh Cremated with Full State Honours in Chandigarh

Milkha Singh was cremated with full state honours.

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Kiren Rijiju said that India's highest ever Olympic contingent will try their best to fulfill Milkha Singh's dream of winning a medal in Athletics.

Watch | Milkha Singh's last rites

Punjab CM Visits Milkha Singh' house 

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh visits Milkha Singh' house.

The Milkha-Nirmal Love Story: When the Flying Sikh Told an Angry Punjab CM He Wanted to Marry Nimmi

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Sports University, Patiala to Have a Chair After Milkha Singh's Name

A chair will be established after Milkha Singh's name at the Sports University, Patiala, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announced on Saturday. The legendary track and field athlete Milkha Singh died of COVID-19 related complications on Friday night.

"We are going to have a Milkha Singh Chair in Sports University, Patiala, the Chief Minister told reporters outside Milkha's Sector 8 residence. Singh, accompanied by state Sports Minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, had gone to meet Milkha's son Jeev and other family members to offer his condolences.

Indian javelin star Annu Rani too was taken aback for the news.

"Mikhla Singh was admitted in the hospital, we athletes knew, but didn't know he would leave us so soon. I am really sad after hearing the news of his passing. India will forever be indebted to him for his contribution to Indian athletics and for putting India's name on world map and will continue to spire and motivate us in the future too," she told News18.com.

Security beefed up at Sector 25 crematorium ahead of cremation of Legend Indian Sprinter Milkha Singh at 5pm today. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said that “Former Indian sprinter Milkha Singh will be given State funeral by Punjab Government. Also, Punjab will observe one day of State mourning as a mark of respect"

Gurbachan Singh Randhawa recalled how Milkha Singh was simply 'distraught' after he missed the podium by 0.1 seconds at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

Team India sporting black armbands in remembrance of Milkha Singh

The Indian cricket team which is playing the World Test Championship final against New Zealand in Southampton is wearing black armbands in remembrance of Milkha Singh. You can follow the live coverage of the WTC Final HERE

Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh Visits Milkha Singh's Residence in Chandigarh

Punjab Chief Minister Amrinder Singh, on Saturday, visited Indian athletics legend Milkha Singh' residence in Chandigarh. According to government officials, his cremation will be held in his hometown Chandigarh at 5 p.m. on Saturday with state honours and a day of mourning in Punjab has also been announced.

M. Sreeshankar recalled he was inspired by the 'Flying Sikh' and said that Milkha Singh's death has shaken the Indian athletics community.

Jeev Milkha Singh took to Instagram to pen an emotional tribute for his father Milkha Singh and mother Nirmal Kaur.

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M. Sreeshankar, who holds India's long jump national record, said that the Milkha Singh's death has shaken the Indian athletics community,

"Me, my father and in the everyone in the Indian Athletics are heart broken. He has shown the path for all of us," he told New18.com.  

India has Lost a Star of the Sports Fraternity, Says Babita

"I am sad to hear the demise of Milkha Singh ji. Today India has lost a star of the sports fraternity. I am unable to believe that he has left us. May his soul rest in peace. And I urge every sportsperson to observe two minutes' silence to pay tribute to him," Babita told ANI.

Hima Das Mourns the Death of Milkha Singh

"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.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has announced that former Indian sprinter Milkha Singh will be given State funeral by Punjab Government. Also, Punjab will observe one day of State mourning as a mark of respect.

President Ram Nath Kovind condoled the demise of Milkha Singh as Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also paid their tribute to their sporting legend.

Former Indian cricket team captain and current BCCI president Sourav Ganguly too mourned the death of The Flying Sikh, Ganuly 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."

Milkha Singh was also known as ‘Flying Sikh’ but how did he get that name? Read the FULL STORY HERE to know.

Dark clouds of sadness prevail with the demise of my idol and inspiration Milkha Singhji. His story of sheer determination and hard work inspired millions and will continue to do so. As a tribute to him, students of Usha School paid homage to the legend. Rest in Peace," wrote P.T. Usha.

Indian sprint legend Milkha Singh died on Friday after a month-long battle with COVID-19, during which he lost his former national volleyball captain wife Nirmal Kaur to the same ailment.

Taking to social media, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar paid a rich tribute to Milkha Singh, he said MIlkha Singh will continue to keep inspiring several generations to come.

"Pained to know about the demise of legendary athlete, Padma Shri Milkha Singh ji. The personality of the Flying Sikh will keep inspiring generations to come. He has left an indelible mark on world athletics. My deepest condolences to his family and followers," BJP President JP Nadda tweeted.

Several other politicians including Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, BJP President JP Nadda, NCP Chief Sharad Pawar too paid their homage.

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju also condoled the death of Milkha Singh, saying the legendary sprinter will continue to inspire every Indian for years to come. Rijiju said in Milkha's demise, the country has lost a star. "India has lost its star. Milkha Singh Ji has left us but he will continue to inspire every Indian to shine for India. My deepest condolences to the family. "I pray for his soul to rest in peace," the minister tweeted.

Shah Rukh Khan too took to Twitter to pay his repect to the Indian athletics legend. "he Flying Sikh may no longer be with us in person but his presence will always be felt and his legacy will remain unmatched," he tweeted.

Milkha Singh's mortal remains are currently kept at his residence in Chandigarh's Sector 8. Meanwhile, it is also being reported that Chandigarh Police is busy beefing up security at his residence expecting visit of prominent personalities. According to sources, the cremation of the legendary sprinter will be held at 5 pm today in Chandigarh with full state honours.

The former Indian sprinter 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. He is survived by one son and three daughters. His son Jeev Milkha Singh is also a renowned Golfer.

Amitabh Bachchan too took to Twitter to mourn the death of the legendary athlete. "In grief .. Milkha Singh passes away .. the pride of India .. a great athlete .. a greater human .. Waheguru di Mehr .. prayers," he tweeted.

Indian tennis star Sania Mirza also paid tribute to the legend, she tweeted saying that Milkha was the “kindest and warmest" and that the world was going to miss him.

Actor-director Farhan Akhtar, who painstakingly transformed himself to portray the life of Milkha Singh in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, has paid an emotional tribute to the Flying Sikh.

Milkha Singh, one of the biggest names in Indian sport and the country’s first track and field superstar, passed away aged 91 Friday night after a month-long battle with Covid-19.

“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," a statement released by Singh’s family read. Milkha Singh had developed complications, including fever and dropping of oxygen saturation level. The 91-year-old, who contracted COVID-19 last month, had tested negative for the virus on Wednesday.

Condoling the death, Home Minister Amit Shah said the one of the brightest stars of Indian sports has been lost. "India mourns the sad demise of legendary sprinter Shri Milkha Singh Ji, The Flying Sikh. He has left an indelible mark on world athletics. Nation will always remember him as one of the brightest stars of Indian sports. My deepest condolences to his family and countless followers"

Vice President M Venkaiah too mourned the death of the athletics legend, in a series of twwet he said, "Deeply saddened to hear that Shri Milkha Singh ji has passed away. Through his scintillating performances on the world stage, the legendary athlete has stirred and inspired every Indian - and not just in sports."

Mourning his death, the President Ram Nath Kovind said the story of Milkha Singh's struggles and strength of character will continue to inspire generations of Indians.

"I had spoken to Shri Milkha Singh Ji just a few days ago. Little did I know that it would be our last conversation. Several budding athletes will derive strength from his life journey. My condolences to his family and many admirers all over the world," PM Modi added in a following tweet.

Tributes started pouring in for the athletics legend as soon as the tragic news broke. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first to condole the demise of sprint legend Milkha Singh. In a tweet PM Modi said that the country has lost a colossal sportsperson who captured the nation's imagination and had a special place in the hearts of countless Indians.

The legendary Indian athlete survived more than five decades, but the legend and legacy of the ‘Flying Sikh’ will live on forever, continuing to inspire young athletes with his story.

It was a gloomy end to the Friday for India and Indians all over the world as one of the biggest names in Indian sport and the country’s first track and field superstar, Milkha Singh passed away aged 91 after a month-long battle with Covid-19.