Who is Known as the Flying Sikh of India?

In India, the title “Flying Sikh” is famously associated with a legendary athlete, Milkha Singh. He earned this nickname due to his incredible speed and achievements in the world of athletics. Milkha Singh is considered one of the greatest sprinters India has ever produced.

Flying Sikh of India

Milkha Singh, often called “The Flying Sikh,” is one of India’s greatest athletes. He was a sprinter who became famous for his exceptional performances in track and field events. His speed and achievements earned him this iconic nickname, which was given to him by Pakistan’s General Ayub Khan after Milkha Singh defeated Pakistani runners in a race.

Early Life of Milkha Singh

Milkha Singh was born on 20th November 1929 in Govindpura, Punjab (now in Pakistan). He came from a large Sikh family. During the Partition of India in 1947, Milkha lost his parents and siblings in the violence. This tragedy left him orphaned and he fled to India. He joined the Indian Army in 1951, where he first discovered his love for running and athletics.

Rise to Fame in Sports

Milkha Singh’s athletic career took off when he started running professionally while serving in the  Indian Army. He won his first big international race at the 1958 Asian Games, where he won gold medals in both the 200m and 400m events. Later, in 1960, Milkha completed in the Rome Olympics, where he finished fourth in the 400m race. Although he did not win a medal, his performance was remembered for being one of the best by an Indian athlete at the Olympics.

Achievements and Olympic Career of Milkha Singh

Milkha Singh’s most famous race was during the 1960 Rome Olympics. He led the 400m race but lost his chance at a medal after slowing down near the finish line. Even though he finished fourth, his time of 45.73 seconds was an Indian national record that stood for many years.

He also won several gold medals at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, including victories in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. He was India’s first individual gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games in 1958.

Awards and Honors Received By Milkha Singh

Below is the list which showcases the remarkable achievements and honors of an athlete, including multiple gold and prestigious awards:

• 1958 Asian Games – Gold
• 1958 Commonwealth Games – Gold
• 1962 Asian Games – Gold
• 1962 Asian Games – Gold
• 1958 Cuttack National Games (200m) – Gold
• 1958 Cuttack National Games (400m) – Gold
• 1964 Calcutta National Games – Silver
• Padma Shri – 1959
• Helms World Trophy for Asia – 1959
• Bharat Gaurav Award – 2016

Personal Life and Later Years of Milkha Singh

Milkha Singh married Nirmal Saini, a former volleyball player, in 1962. They had four children, including the famous golfer Jeev Milkha Singh. Milkha Singh continued to inspire generation of athletes and was involved in sports administration after his retirement. He lived in Chandigarh until his death in 2021 due to complications from COVID-19, just days after the passing of his wife.

Legacy and Popular Culture

Milkha Singh’s life story was made into a popular movie, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013), starring actor Farhan Akhtar. The film brought his inspiring journey to a wider audience. His autobiography, The Race of My Life, co-written with his daughter, also shares his remarkable story of overcoming struggles and achieving greatness in the world of athletics.

Milkha Singh will always be remembered as a sporting icon who inspired millions with his hard work, dedication and achievements on the track. His nickname, “The Flying Sikh,” symbolizes his speed, endurance and his role in elevating Indian athletics to the world stage.