Milkha Singh, a four-time Asian Games gold medalist, died on Friday at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) hospital here owing to post-Covid problems, just a few days after his test results came back negative and he was moved out of the Covid-ICU. He was 90 years old. “Dad just passed away,” his son, golf legend Jeev Milkha Singh, told TOI through text message.
While the family was still coming to terms with the death of Nirmal Kaur, 85, who died on Sunday at a private hospital in Mohali after succumbing to Covid-related complications, the legendary athlete fought a valiant battle after developing fever and a drop in oxygen saturation level in the PGI hospital’s medical ICU on Thursday night.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi both expressed their condolences on Milkha Singh’s death via Twitter.
The passing of sporting icon Milkha Singh fills my heart with grief. The story of his struggles and strength of character will continue to inspire generations of Indians. My deepest condolences to his family members, and countless admirers.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 18, 2021
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
The Padma Shri awardee contracted Covid-19 on May 19 and was confined to the same hospital’s Covid ICU before the test came back negative on Wednesday. After a week of treatment at the Fortis hospital in Mohali, the 1958 Commonwealth Games gold medalist was brought to the PGIMER on June 3 after his oxygen levels dropped at home.
May his soul rest in peace.
