New Delhi, June 17: Milkha Singh’s name is etched in golden letters in the history of Indian track and field. As a refugee from Pakistan, he arrived in India and achieved international success in athletics through hard work and determination. Despite his numerous accolades, there was one achievement that eluded him, leaving him with a sense of regret as he departed from this world.
Born on November 20, 1929, in Govindpura, Punjab (now part of Pakistan), Milkha Singh came to India as a refugee during the 1947 partition. He spent some time in a refugee camp at the Old Fort in Delhi and later lived in a rehabilitation colony in Shahdara.
From a young age, Milkha had a passion for running, which he maintained even amid the hardships he faced after arriving in India. In 1951, he joined the Indian Army, where he discovered that he could represent his country on the Olympic stage and showcase his talents.
The army provided him with the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities, marking a significant turning point in his life. He won gold medals in the 200 and 400 meters at the 1958 Asian Games, as well as gold at the 1958 Commonwealth Games. He also secured gold in the 400 meters and 1600 meters relay at the 1962 Asian Games. Additionally, he won gold medals in both the 200 and 400 meters at the 1958 National Games in Cuttack and a silver medal in the 400 meters at the 1964 National Games in Calcutta. Milkha Singh was the first Indian runner to win medals at the Commonwealth Games.
In 1960, at the request of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, he competed against Pakistan’s Abdul Khaliq and emerged victorious. His speed impressed the then-President of Pakistan, General Ayub Khan, who bestowed upon him the title of ‘Flying Sikh.’
Milkha Singh represented India at the Olympics three times: the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, the 1960 Rome Olympics, and the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. In 1960, he narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing in fourth place. This failure to secure an Olympic medal haunted him throughout his life, and he publicly expressed his disappointment on several occasions. He also hoped that another Indian athlete would win an Olympic gold in track and field, a dream that was realized when Neeraj Chopra won gold in javelin at the Tokyo Olympics. Tragically, Milkha Singh passed away just days before this historic achievement.
In recognition of his accomplishments, the Government of India honored Milkha Singh with the Padma Shri award in 1959. He passed away at the age of 91 on June 18, 2021, due to complications from COVID-19.
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