Team India players are wearing black armbands on the second day of the ICC World Test Championship Final against New Zealand in Southampton on Saturday, to mark respect for the legendary Milkha Singh who passed away last night.Five days ago, 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. Milkha, the Flying Sikh, had tested positive for the virus on May 20 and was admitted to a private hospital in Mohali on May 24. He had been discharged on May 30 before he was admitted to the Covid ward at the Nehru Hospital Extension at PGIMER on June 3 due to dipping oxygen levels. The former Indian athlete had tested negative on Thursday earlier this week and was shifted to the medical ICU.
Earlier, in the day, India skipper Virat Kohli on Saturday mourned the demise of Milkha Singh and said the track legend's legacy inspired the whole nation to aim for excellence. "A legacy that inspired a whole nation to aim for excellence. To never give up and chase your dreams. Rest in Peace #MilkhaSingh ji. You will never be forgotten," Kohli shared a picture of him with the legendary athlete on Twitter. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah said Milkha made everyone believe that nothing is impossible. "Saddened to learn about Milkha Singhji's demise. He inspired a generation of Indians and made us believe that nothing is impossible. Condolences to @JeevMilkhaSingh," Jay Shah tweeted. India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja said there will never be another person like Milkha Singh. "One of the greatest athletes of our nation. A man who taught us to never give up and always fight. There will never be another one like you, Sir. Rest in peace, Milkha Singh Ji The Flying Sikh," Jadeja tweeted.
