Legendary “Flying Sikh” Milkha Singh, who died at the PGIMER late on Friday night after a month-long battle with Covid-19, was cremated with full State honours at the Sector 25 cremation ground here in Chandigarh on Saturday.
Milkha, who tested positive for Covid-19 on May 20 after a domestic help at his residence was found infected, was initially admitted to a Mohali hospital before being brought home on May 30. However, he was admitted to the PGI after his oxygen levels fell. Milkha died at 11.30 pm on Friday night after a month-long battle with Covid-19. He had lost his former national volleyball captain wife Nirmal Kaur to Covid on Sunday.
'The Flying Sikh', as he was fondly called, died due to Covid-19 related complications, marking the end of an era in which his pioneering accomplishments on the track galvanised a newly independent India. Milkha Singh was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his sporting achievements.
Milkha was bid a tearful adieu in the presence of his family members and several dignitaries, including Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator V P Singh Badnore, Prof Jagat Ram, Director of PGIMER were among the other dignitaries who attended the last rites.
Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amrinder Singh, Sports Minister Rana Gurmit Sodhi, Health Minister Balbir Sidhu, Sports Director DPS Kharbanda along with other officials visited Milkha Singh's residence to pay tributes to the late athlete. Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal also visited the Milkha family's residence around noon on Saturday while Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and Punjab Governor Badnore paid tribute to the former international sprinter at the Sector 25 cremation ground.
A police contingent accorded the 91-year-old legendary track and field athlete the guard of honour and his son and ace golfer Jeev Milkha Singh lit the pyre. A police contingent reversed arms and sounded the last post in the sprinter’s honour. Milkha was also given a gun salute.
Earlier, the funeral procession started from Milkha’s Sector 8 residence. His body was carried in a bedecked vehicle, with common people turning up along the short route to the Sector 25 cremation ground to pay their last respects to the legend.
The Punjab government had declared a one-day state mourning and a holiday as a mark of respect to the legend. Punjab CM had earlier in the day said the Punjab government will accord state funeral to Milkha Singh.
Moreover, interacting with reporters after the cremation, Union Sports Minister Rijiju spoke about Milkha’s last wish was to see India win an Olympic gold in athletics. “Today, Milkha ji is not among us, but we will fulfill his wish. He has given a big message,” he said. When asked if any award would be instituted in his name, Rijiju said these things will be discussed with family at an appropriate time and whatever needs to be done by the Sports Ministry in this regard will be done. “We have told the family that right from the Prime Minister to Governor Sahab, who is present here, we are with them in their hour of grief. Entire nation is with them,” he said. He said he was also carrying the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the family.
Governor Badnore said Milkha “was our pride”. “Whenever I used to meet him, sometimes even in the golf course here, he would meet with great affection. Not only Chandigarh, Punjab and India, but Milkha ji’s demise is a loss to the entire world. He was an inspiration for millions,” said Badnore.
Expressing his deepest condolences on the sad demise of 'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that India has lost a sporting icon who will always inspire every Indian to shine for the country. 'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh will always live in the hearts of every Indian for his exceptional accomplishments on and off the field and his humane personality will always be remembered, said the Chief Minister.