‘Every time we ran fast, we ran like Milkha Singh:’ India pays homage to ‘The Flying Sikh’

“We may not have seen you compete, but every time we ran fast as kids, we ran ‘like Milkha Singh’,” India’s soccer captain Sunil Chhetri summed up what ‘The Flying Sikh’ meant to the nation, which mourned the top of an period following the nonagenarian dash icon’s loss of life.
Milkha died at Chandigarh’s PGIMER hospital on Friday night time, lower than every week after he misplaced his spouse Nirmal Kaur, a former nationwide volleyball captain, to the identical ailment.
He was 91 and is survived by his golfer son Jeev Milkha Singh and three daughters.
From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cricket superstars to India’s new age track-and-field hopes like Hima Das, the tributes weren’t simply an admiration of Milkha’s legacy but in addition the sturdy affect it had on the nation’s sporting tradition.
Modi described him as “colossal sportsperson, who captured the India’s “imagination.”

I had spoken to Shri Milkha Singh Ji only a few days in the past. Little did I do know that it could be our final dialog. Several budding athletes will derive power from his life journey. My condolences to his household and lots of admirers all around the world.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 18, 2021
One of India’s biggest cricketers, Sachin Tendulkar, mentioned Milkha’s legend will stay on.
“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,” Tendulkar tweeted.

Rest in Peace our very personal ‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh ji.
Your demise has left a deep void in each Indian’s coronary heart immediately, however you shall hold inspiring a number of generations to return. pic.twitter.com/ImljefeUEN
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 19, 2021
It was Chhetri maybe, who finest summed up the icon for a technology which didn’t see him compete however grew up being impressed by his race for a greater life which began as a 15-year-old throughout India’s partition.
“We may not have seen you compete, but every time we ran fast as kids, we ran ‘like Milkha Singh’. And for me, that will always be the legend you leave behind. You didn’t just run, you inspired. Rest in peace, sir. #MilkhaSingh,” Chhetri tweeted. .

We might not have seen you compete, however each time we ran quick as youngsters, we ran ‘like Milkha Singh’. And for me, that can at all times be the legend you allow behind. You didn’t simply run, you impressed. Rest in peace, sir. #MilkhaSingh pic.twitter.com/SbwrqJJHx9
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) June 19, 2021
Hima, a 400m runner herself like Milkha, mentioned the long-lasting sprinter had as soon as informed her that she was destined for large issues.
“After winning World Championship U20 title & medal in Asian Games, I still remember a call from #MilkhaSingh sir that ‘Hima just keep on working hard, you have ample time and you can win a medal Gold medal for our country at a global level’,” she recalled in a tweet.
“I will try to fulfill your dream sir,” she promised.

Heartbreaking to listen to that flying Sikh legend Milkha Singh sir isn’t any extra. The nation will at all times keep in mind you sir and search an inspiration out of your life eternally. RIP #MilkhaSingh sir pic.twitter.com/wnASq5QUUf
— Hima (mon jai) (@HimaDas8) June 18, 2021

“After winning World Championship U20 title and medal in Asian Games, I still remember a call from #MilkhaSingh sir that “Hima just keep on working hard, you have ample time and you can win a Gold medal for our country at a global level”“I will try to fulfill your dream sir”
— Hima (mon jai) (@HimaDas8) June 19, 2021
Olympic-bound star javelin throwers Neeraj Copra tweeted “We lost a Gem. He will always remain as an inspiration for every Indian. May his soul Rest in peace.”

We misplaced a Gem. He will at all times stay as an inspiration for each Indian. May his soul Rest in peace🙏🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/7gT2x8Bury
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) June 18, 2021
India’s cricket head coach Ravi Shastri additionally joined the sports activities fraternity in condoling his loss of life.
“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,” Shastri tweeted.

India’s biggest @Olympics runner. Shook the world in 60s along with his aggressive spirit inspite of probably the most restricted amenities. He took the phrase willpower and can to compete to a different degree. Respect. God bless your soul. Condolences to @JeevMilkhaSingh & household 🙏🏻 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/oiJlkdK6fh
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) June 19, 2021
Sports Authority of India (SAI) expressed “immense unhappiness on the demise of certainly one of India’s biggest ever sportspersons ‘The Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh.
Athletics Federation of India President Adille Sumariwalla referred to as Milkha “a Titan who lifted the profile of athletics in a young nation…”
“…his sharp observations on Indian sport will be missed. His towering legacy will continue to inspire generations of young Indians. Rest in peace legend.”
“A huge loss for the sport of athletics today. Rest well #MilkhaSingh ji,” Olympian Anju Bobby George tweeted.

Saddened by the demise of Nirmal Milkha Singh ma’am. Our heartfelt condolences to the Family of Milkha Singh Ji for this tragic loss. Praying for Milkha ji’s speedy restoration. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/owGzLhwWtG
— Anju Bobby George (@anjubobbygeorg1) June 14, 2021

An enormous loss for the game of athletics immediately. Rest nicely #MilkhaSingh ji.
— Anju Bobby George (@anjubobbygeorg1) June 18, 2021
“Really shocked by the demise of the legend Milkha sir. You will forever have a very special place in my heart.The Flying Sikh will live forever. RIP,” mentioned one other Indian sprinter Muhammed Anas Yahiya.

Really shocked by the demise of the legend Milkha sir. You will eternally have a really particular place in my coronary heart.The Flying Sikh will stay eternally. RIP
— Muhammed Anas Yahiya (@muhammedanasyah) June 18, 2021
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh additionally expressed his condolences on the micro-blogging website.
“Very sad,heartbreaking to hear flying sikh Sardar Milkha singh ji is no more… waheguru RIPMilkhaSinghji.”

Saddened by the passing away of #MilkhaSingh ji. RIP the Flying Sikh. An inspiration for thousands and thousands. A terrific loss to our nation. pic.twitter.com/ObtPBg4eni
— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) June 18, 2021

Very unhappy,heartbreaking to listen to flying sikh Sardar Milkha singh ji isn’t any extra.. 🙏🙏 waheguru 🙏🙏 #RIPMilkhaSinghji
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 18, 2021
Indian tennis star Sania Mirza mentioned “Had the honour of assembly you and also you blessed me so many instances .. the kindest and warmest Palms up collectively RIP Milkha Singh sir .. the world will miss a legend such as you ..MilkhaSingh

Had the honour of assembly you and also you blessed me so many instances .. the kindest and warmest 🤲🏽 RIP Milkha Singh sir .. the world will miss a legend such as you .. #MilkhaSingh
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) June 18, 2021
“Really shocked and sad to learn about the passing away of the legend Milkha Singh ji. Om Shanti,” Javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia mentioned.

Really shocked and unhappy to study concerning the passing away of the legend Milkha Singh ji.Om Shanti https://t.co/G40FKyPudX
— Devendra Jhajharia (@DevJhajharia) June 18, 2021
Decorated doubles badminton participant Jwala Gutta joined in expressing her unhappiness. “What an inspiration you were to the millions like us. There will be none like you sir Rest in peace legend MilkhaSingh,” she posted.

What an inspiration you have been to the thousands and thousands like us….There can be none such as you sir 🙏🏻Rest in peace legend 🙏🏻#MilkhaSingh 🇮🇳 🙇‍♀️
— Gutta Jwala (@Guttajwala) June 18, 2021
Indian wicketkeeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha, squash participant Joshna Chinappa and shooter Sanjeev Rajput additionally paid homage to the dash icon.
“Saddened by the passing away of #MilkhaSingh ji. RIP the Flying Sikh. An inspiration for millions. A great loss to our nation,” Saha tweeted.
“Very saddened to hear about the passing of Milkha Singh Sir. A True Legend and Champion. You will be greatly missed. RIP Sir,” Chinappa wrote.
“A great loss to the nation. Rest in Peace legend #MilkhaSingh ji. Om Shanti,” Rajput tweeted.

Very saddened to listen to concerning the passing of Milkha Singh Sir. A True Legend and Champion. You can be drastically missed. RIP Sir✨ pic.twitter.com/rfjRfj5YMT
— Joshna Chinappa (@joshnachinappa) June 18, 2021

A terrific loss to the nation. Rest in Peace legend #MilkhaSingh ji.Om Shanti 🙏
— Sanjeev Rajput OLY (@sanjeevrajput1) June 18, 2021

The nation will at all times keep in mind you on your invaluable contribution and search an inspiration out of your life eternally. RIP #MilkhaSingh sir pic.twitter.com/WHWwYy11Od
— Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (@mirabai_chanu) June 19, 2021
Olympic-bound weight-lifter Mirabai Chanu tweeted, “The nation will at all times keep in mind you on your invaluable contribution and search an inspiration out of your life eternally. RIP #MilkhaSingh sir.