Chandigarh (Punjab): Amid chanting of hymns and prayers, ace golfer Jeev Milkha Singh along with his two daughters and other family members immersed the last mortal remains of iconic sprinter Milkha Singh in river Sutlej at Gurdwara Patalpuri Sahib, Kiratpur on Sunday.
Earlier, on Saturday Milkha was cremated with full state honours, marking the end of an era in which his pioneering accomplishments on the track galvanised a newly independent India.
Milkha, who was 91, was bid a tearful adieu in the presence of his family members and several dignitaries, including sports minister Kiren Rijiju. 'The Flying Sikh', as he was fondly called, died on Friday night due to COVID-19 related complications. His son and ace golfer Jeev Milkha Singh lit the funeral pyre.
Read: Milkha Singh cremated with full state honours
Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator V P Singh Badnore, Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal, Haryana's Sports Minister Sandeep Singh were among the other dignitaries who attended the last rites.
The Punjab government had declared a one-day state mourning and a holiday as a mark of respect to the legend. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had earlier in the day said the Punjab government will accord state funeral to Milkha Singh. Earlier, the funeral procession started from Milkha's Sector 8 residence.
Read: 'True legend', 'India's greatest athlete': Sports fraternity reacts as The 'Flying Sikh' dies at 91
His body was carried in a bedecked vehicle, with common people turning up along the short route to the Sector 25 cremation ground to pay their last respects to the legend. Later, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh announced Milkha Singh chair in Sports University, Patiala in the memory of the legendary sprinter.
Read: I'll be alright in 3-4 days: Milkha's first response after contracting COVID
