Milkha Singh, one of independent India’s biggest sporting icons, who died of COVID-19 complications, will be cremated in Chnadigarh on Saturday evening with full state honours. The Punjab government will also observe a day of state mourning in the wake of the passing away of the track and field legend.
“Have directed that late Milkha Singh Ji will be given a state funeral by our government,” Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh tweeted.
“Also, Punjab will observe one day of state mourning as a mark of respect to the departed legend,” the Chief Minister said.
Amarinder Singh tweeted earlier,” Upset and saddened to hear of Milkha Singh Ji’s demise. It marks the end of an era and India & Punjab are poorer today.”
“My condolences to the bereaved family & millions of fans. The legend of the Flying Sikh will reverberate for generations to come. Rest in peace Sir!,” read his tweet.
The cremation will take place at 5 pm, a spokesperson for the family, said earlier.
Singh, who missed the 400m Olympic bronze medal by a whisker at the 1960 Rome Games, succumbed to Covid on Friday, passing away at the age of 91. The four-time Asian Games gold medallist was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a top hospital in Chandigarh due to “dipping levels of oxygen”.
His wife, Nirmal Milkha Singh succumbed to Covid-19 at the age of 85 on June 13.
The legendary athlete is a four-time Asian Games gold-medallist and 1958 Commonwealth Games champion.
He is still the only Indian athlete to win gold in the Asian and Commonwealth Championship.
He was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his sporting achievements.
He is survived by one son and three daughters. His son Jeev Milkha Singh is also a renowned golfer.
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