Hyderabad: "He could walk into Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s office without an appointment," says author Vijay Lokapally who will remember legendary Milkha Singh for his humility and brilliant storytelling skills.
One of independent India's biggest sporting legends, Milkha Singh, died on Friday night at a Chandigarh hospital after a month-long battle with Covid-19. He also lost his wife Nirmal Kaur, a former national volleyball captain, to the same ailment.
And there was outpouring of emotions as India woke up Saturday to the sad news of Milkha's demise. The country paid glowing tribute to the man who introduced track and field to Indian sports.
"Milkha Singh was a legend in its true sense. He was a national treasure who put India on the world map of athletics with that electrifying run at the 1960 Olympics," Lokapally told Etv Bharat over telephone.
Read: I'll be alright in 3-4 days: Milkha's first response after contracting COVID
"Interacting with him was an education in life lessons and I adored him for his simple way of living. He remained a paragon of humility right through his wonderful journey as a sportsman who pursued his love for running with great dignity. He will be missed for his amazing storytelling. Rest in Peace Milkha ji, the one and only Flying Sikh," he said.
Former India pacer Karsan Ghavri will fondly remember Milkha as a "good golfer" whom he met during a local golf tournament at Wellington club in Mumbai. Ghavri described him as a man of "great convictions, discipline and target chaser".
"Well, who doesn't know the great Milkha Singh (Milkha Singh) ji? As long as the sport stays, he will be the pride of India. He brought great glories to our country. Sports has lost a giant. Many years ago, I got an opportunity to play a golf tournament at the Wellington club at Maha Laxmi. He himself was a good golfer. His son Jeev Milkha Singh is an ace player from India in pro circuit. Om Namo Shivay, Om Shanti," the legendary pacer, who alongside Kapil Dev picked 183 wickets in 27 Test matches for India, said.
Milkha, despite his retirement back in 1964 after the Olympics, led an active life and attended various sporting events across the country. At one event during a national camp in Patiala, India's former national badminton coach, U. Vimal Kumar, had the opportunity to meet him. Kumar fondly recalls Milkha for his simplicity and warm personality.
"A true legend. He set standards for Indians in excelling at the world stage.I have met him a few times during national camps in Patiala during the 80’s. Great man," he said.
Lovingly called as "Flying Singh" after his exploits in Pakistan, the Indian track and field legend remains the only athlete to clinch Gold in the 400m at the Asian and Commonwealth Games. Aside from winning gold medals at the Asian Games in 1958 and 1962, Singh represented the country thrice in the Summer Olympics.
Read: Obituary: The Race of Milkha Singh's Life
Describing him as India's greatest athlete, legendary India wicket-keeper Farokh Engineer recalled his meeting with Milkha back in 2008 during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match where he was the referee.
"We are all deeply saddened to hear that our mother India’s greatest athlete Milkha Singh has sadly passed away. I’ve met the great man on a few occasions in Chandigarh when I was Match Referee for the first ever IPL and on other occasions in Delhi. Always found him to be full of humour and joie de vivre. He was very proud of his son being a fantastic golfer. India has lost one of her true legends. RIP Mikey my dear friend (as I used to affectionately call him)," Engineer said.
India Hockey team forward Rani Rampal and former cricketer and current national coach of Zimbabwe Lal Chand Rajput too paid condolences.
"It’s a big loss for Indian sport. He was a legend and will always be a legend. He inspired us all every single day with what he achieved for the country. May he RIP," Rani said.
"My condolences to his family. One of the legends who brought India into the world map. It’s a huge loss to the sporting fraternity. May his soul RIP," Rajput said.
Milkha was cremated today in Chandigarh with full state honours and the state government has decided to observe a day of mourning as a "mark of respect to the departed legend".
--Ayushmaan Pandey
