Legendary sprinter Milkha Singh died of post-Covid complications in Chandigarh on Friday. He was 91. The sporting icon was being treated at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research. He was admitted to the ICU of Mohali's Fortis hospital due to "COVID pneumonia" on May 24. He was then moved to PGIMER in Chandigarh on June 3. He had tested negative for COVID-19 on Wednesday but his condition turned critical on Friday evening as he developed complications, including fever and dipping oxygen saturation levels. Indian sports stars took to Twitter to pay their tribute to the legendary athlete.
"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," tweeted Sachin Tendulkar.
Track legend P.T. Usha too expressed her sadness over the death of her "idol and inspiration".
"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 football captain Sunil Chhetri said Milkha Singh "didn't just run, you inspired".
Former and current cricketers too tweeted their condolence messages.
"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," his family announced in a statement.
"He fought hard but God has his ways and it was perhaps true love and companionship that both our mother Nirmal ji and now Dad have passed away in a matter of 5 days," the statement further added.
The legendary sprinter is survived by his son Jeev Milkha Singh and three daughters.