Holding Wife's Photograph In His Hand, Milkha Singh Bid Adieu to the World

Milkha Singh Funeral : As nation pays tribute to Milkha Singh, he bid adieu to the world with a picture of his late wife Nirmal Kaur who also passed away just a few days ago in a Chandigarh hospital. Milkha Singh, 91, succumbed to post COVID complexities a month-long battle with the virus. He was given a funeral with full state honours.

India's Flying Sikh, was an Indian track and field sprinter who was introduced to the sport while serving in the Indian Army. He is the only athlete to win gold in 400 metres race at the Asian Games as well the Commonwealth Games.

Moving Picture

Holding his wife's photograph in his hand, Milkha Singh bid adieu to the world. Milkha’s wife, Nirmal Kaur, a former India volleyball captain, had lost her battle with the virus at the same Mohali hospital where the legendary runner breathed his last.

India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who took to social media to express his condolences over Milkha Singh's demise, calling him “colossal sportsperson who captured the nation’s imagination”. “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,” he tweeted.

Singh had tested for COVID in the third week of May. He was initially asymptomatic but later admitted to a hospital in Mohali just outside of Chandigarh. However his oxygen levels continued to fluctuate as a result he was admitted again to the city main hospital. Even though the former athlete tested negative, his health deteriorated in the Intensive Care Unit and he passed away due to COVID complications.

Who was Nirmal Kaur?

Kaur, married to Milkha Singh was a sportswoman in her own right. The couple were a power sport couple in India's sporting history. Kaur passed away, also due to COVID, five days before the demise of Milkha Singh.

“We are deeply saddened to inform you that Mrs Nirmal Milkha Singh passed away after a valiant battle against COVID at 4 PM today,” a statement from the spokesperson of the Milkha family said on 13th June.

“A backbone of the Milkha Family, she was 85 years old. It is tragic that the Flying Sikh Milkha Singh ji could not attend the cremation which was conducted this evening itself as he is still in the ICU (of PGIMER in Chandigarh) himself," the news at the time had said.

Milkha Singh and wife Nirmal Singh pass away from post COVID-19 complications./ Image: IE