Tribune News Service Chandigarh June 18 After struggling for nearly a month legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh passed away at the PGI here tonight. The Flying Sikh breathed his last at 11.30 pm. The legendary Milkha Singh at a competition. File “With extreme sadness we would like to inform you that Milkha Singh ji passed away at 11.30 pm on June 18 2021” read a statement issued by the Milkha family. With his family during an outing. File “He fought hard but God has his ways and it was perhaps true love and companionship that both our mother Nirmal ji and now dad have passed away in a matter of five days” read the statement. Milkhas wife Nirmal Milkha a former captain of the Indian womens volleyball team died on June 13 due to complications related to Covid-19. “We are deeply indebted to doctors at the PGI for their valiant efforts and the love and prayers we received from across the world” the statement added. Earlier in the day Milkhas health deteriorated due to fever followed by desaturation and low pulse. Kin with Milkhas body at the PGI late on Friday night. Deepankar Sharda Legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh was admitted to the ICU of the Covid hospital at the PGI on June 3 2021 and was treated for Covid there till June 13 said PGI spokesperson Prof Ashok Kumar. “After putting up a valiant battle with Covid Milkha Singh tested negative. However due to post-Covid complications he was shifted out of the Covid hospital to a medical ICU. Despite best of the efforts by the medical team Milkha Singh ji could not be retrieved” said Prof Kumar. Prof Jagat Ram Director PGI expressed condolences on the demise of the “most revered sporting icon”. “He will be remembered for his exceptional accomplishments on and off the field and his endearing and humane personality” he said. A True Love story With Milkha dying five days after his wife Nirmal passed away the never forgetting love story continues. While Nirmal was leading the Indian volleyball team in Sri Lanka Milkha had gone there to compete in an athletics meet. Later they met at the College of Physical Education Patiala. The then Punjab Chief Minister Partap Singh Kairon is believed to have intervened to get Milkha and Nirmal married. Since then the couple was never separated.

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