Milkha Singh (1929 – 18 June 2021), known as “The Flying Sikh”, was an Indian sprinter and one of the country’s greatest sporting heroes. A survivor of the Partition violence, he won Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medals. At the 1960 Rome Olympics he finished a heartbreaking fourth in the 400 metres, setting a national record that stood for 38 years.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Milkha Singh |
| Born | c. 1929 (dates vary in records), Govindpura, Punjab (now in Pakistan) |
| Died | 18 June 2021, Chandigarh, India |
| Known as | The Flying Sikh |
| Event | 200 m and 400 m |
| Service | Indian Army (from 1951) |
| Spouse | Nirmal Kaur (m. 1962; d. 2021) |
| Son | Jeev Milkha Singh (golfer) |
| Honour | Padma Shri (1959) |
Early Life
Milkha Singh was born in Govindpura in western Punjab, now in Pakistan. Records of his birth date differ. During the Partition violence of 1947 he lost several members of his family and escaped to India as a refugee. After a difficult period in Delhi, he joined the Indian Army in 1951, where he discovered his talent for running.
Career
Milkha Singh competed at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. At the 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo he won gold in both the 200 m and 400 m. That same year at Cardiff he won the 440 yards, becoming independent India’s first Commonwealth Games gold medallist.
In 1960 he raced Pakistan’s top sprinter, Abdul Khaliq, in Lahore and won. Pakistan’s President Ayub Khan is said to have told him that he had not run but flown, giving him his famous nickname.
In the 400 m final at the 1960 Rome Olympics, Milkha Singh led for much of the race but finished fourth in 45.73 seconds, narrowly missing a medal. His time remained the Indian national record for 38 years. He won two more golds at the 1962 Asian Games.
Personal Life and Death
Milkha Singh married Nirmal Kaur, a former captain of India’s women’s volleyball team, in 1962. Their son, Jeev Milkha Singh, became an international golfer. His life story was told in the hit film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013), starring Farhan Akhtar. He died of COVID-19 complications in Chandigarh on 18 June 2021, five days after his wife.
Major Achievements
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Milkha Singh born?
Birth details: c. 1929 (dates vary in records), Govindpura, Punjab (now in Pakistan).
When did Milkha Singh die?
Died: 18 June 2021, Chandigarh, India.
