Superstar Shah Rukh Khan remembered the legendary athlete and paid tribute to him via social media. He called Milkha an inspiration to him and millions of other people. SRK’s tweet read, The Flying Sikh may no longer be with us in person but his presence will always be felt and his legacy will remain unmatched... An inspiration to me... an inspiration to millions. Rest in Peace Milkha Singh sir.”Milkha Singh died on Friday at the age of 91. He had tested positive for Covid-19 in May. "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," read a family statement.
The former Indian sprinter had tested positive for Covid-19 last month and was in isolation at his home in Chandigarh before he was admitted to the ICU of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) hospital in Chandigarh. His wife, Nirmal Milkha Singh died of 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 honour, in recognition of his sporting achievements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to express his condolences over Singh's demise. "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.