India's legendary athlete Milka Singh passes away due to COVID

Legendary Indian athlete Milkha Singh died on Friday night with Covid-19 related issues in a Chandigarh hospital. He was 91. Milkha Singh had tested positive for Covid-19 last month.

Notably, Milkha Singh's wife Nirmal Kaur had passed away just five days ago due to the same illness.

Milkha Singh is survived by three daughters Dr Mona Singh, Aleeza Grover, Sonia Sanwalka, and son Jeev Milkha, who is an ace golfer.

"Legendary Indian Sprinter Shri Milkha Singh ji was admitted in the ICU of Covid Hospital of PGIMER on 3rd June 2021 and was treated for Covid there till 13th June when after putting up a valiant battle with Covid, Milkha Singh Ji tested negative.

"However, due to post- Covid complications, he was shifted out of Covid Hospital to medical ICU.But despite best of the efforts by the medical team, Milkha Singh ji could not be retrieved from his critical condition and after a brave fight, he left for his heavenly abode at 11.30 pm on 18th June 2021 here at PGIMER," Prof. Jagat Ram, Director PGIMER expressed his deepest condolences on the sad demise of this 'most revered' sporting icon, who will be remembered for his exceptional accomplishments on and off the field and his endearing and humane personality.

Milkha Singh was admitted to the ICU at the Covid-19 Hospital of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh due to dipping oxygen levels on June 3. The admission came just 4 days after he was discharged from a Mohali hospital at the request of his family members.Milkha Singh was admitted to the ICU at the Covid-19 Hospital of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh due to dipping oxygen levels on June 3. The admission came just 4 days after he was discharged from a Mohali hospital at the request of his family members.

Milkha, a former Commonwealth Games gold medalist, was in stable condition when he was discharged from the Mohali hospital last month. His 85-year-old wife, Nirmal Milkha Singh had tested positive for Covid-19 last month and was also in the ICU at a private hospital in Chandigarh.

The hospital authorities said earlier this week that Nirmal's health had worsened. She was being treated with fluctuating oxygen levels. Notably, Milkha Singh was also admitted to the same facility last month but his condition has been improving.

Milkha Singh was a four-time Asian Games gold medallist and 1958 Commonwealth Games champion but his greatest performance was the fourth-place finish in the 400m final at the 1960 Rome. He also represented India in the 1956 and 1964 Olympics and was bestowed the Padma Shri in 1959.