Milkha Singh
Legendary sprinter Milkha Singh cremated with full state honours in Chandigarh
Chandigarh/IBNS: Iconic sprinter Milkha Singh, who succumbed to COVID-19 complications, was cremated in Chandigarh with full state honours on Saturday evening.
Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Union Territory Administrator VP Singh Badnore and Haryana Sports Minister Sandeep Singh were among those present at the cremation ground to pay their last tributes to the legend.
His son and ace golfer Jeev Milkha Singh lit the funeral pyre.
Earlier in the day, the Punjab government announced a state holiday in honour of the late Olympian.
Chief Minister Amarinder Singh also announced a Milkha Singh Chair at Sports University in Patiala in memory of the great athlete.
Have directed that Late Milkha Singh Ji will be given a State Funeral by our Government. Also Punjab will observe one day of State mourning as a mark of respect to the departed legend. pic.twitter.com/V5ewngTO0j
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) June 19, 2021
Known as the Flying Sikh, Milkha Singh died at PGIMER, Chandigarh. He is survived by three daughters Dr Mona Singh, Aleeza Grover, Sonia Sanwalka, and son Jeev Milkha, who is an ace golfer.
He was the 1958 Commonwealth Games champion and four-time Asian Games champion. The Flying Sikh had nearly won a 400m medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics - but ultimately missed out.
It was after the 1960 victory that then Pakistan President General Ayub Khan had honoured Milkha Singh with the title of "Flying Sikh".
Images: KIren Rijju Instagram
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