Newsinc24 Team 
Iconic sprinter Milkha Singh was on Saturday cremated with full state honours in Chandigarh, marking the end of an era in which his pioneering accomplishments on the track galvanised a newly-independent India. His son and ace golfer Jeev Milkha Singh lit the funeral pyre.
Legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh died on Friday due to post-Covid complications. He was being treated at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research. The 91-year-old had tested positive for COVID-19 on May 19 but was in home isolation at his Chandigarh residence after revealing that he was asymptomatic. However, a few days later on May 24, the legendary athlete was admitted to the ICU of Mohali's Fortis hospital due to "COVID pneumonia". He was then moved to PGIMER in Chandigarh on June 3.
His death came five days after his wife and former India volleyball captain Nirmal Kaur died due to Covid-19 ini Chandigarh. But despite best of the efforts by the medical team, "Milkha Singh ji could not be retrieved from his critical condition and after a brave fight, he left for his heavenly abode at 11.30 pm on 18th June 2021 at PGIMER," the statement added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary sprinter.
In the passing away of Shri Milkha Singh Ji, we have lost a colossal sportsperson, who captured the nation’s imagination and had a special place in the hearts of countless Indians. His inspiring personality endeared himself to millions. Anguished by his passing away. pic.twitter.com/h99RNbXI28
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 18, 2021
Popularly referred to as the 'Flying Sikh', Milkha Singh made his name in the track and field, winning four gold medals at the Asian Games. He also won a gold at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff. He narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal, finishing fourth at the 400m final of the 1960 Rome Games. Milkha Singh had also taken part in the 1956 and 1964 Olympics. He was conferred the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, in 1959.
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