Milkha Singh

Milkha Singh (17 November 1929 – 18 June 2021) was an Indian track and field sprinter who specialized in the 400 meters. Known as the "Flying Sikh," he was one of India's most iconic athletes and the first Indian male to reach the final of an Olympic athletics event. His near-miss at a medal in the 1960 Rome Olympics remains one of Indian sport's most poignant stories. Born in Govindpura, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Milkha was orphaned during the Partition of India in 1947 and witnessed the massacre of his family members. He migrated to India as a refugee and joined the Indian Army, where his running talent was discovered. He was trained at the Army's sports training center and quickly became India's fastest man. His most famous race was the 400 meters final at the 1960 Rome Olympics, where he finished fourth by 0.03 seconds — agonizingly close to a medal. The disappointment of that near-miss haunted him for decades, and he reportedly refused to visit the Rome Olympic stadium when he returned to Italy years later. He also finished fourth at the 1958 Asian Games. Despite never winning an Olympic medal, Milkha Singh became a national hero. He won gold at the 1958 and 1962 Asian Games and set national records that stood for decades. After retirement, he served as the Director of Sports in the Punjab government. His autobiography "The Race of My Life" (co-authored with his daughter Sonia Sanwalka) was adapted into the 2013 Bollywood film "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" starring Farhan Akhtar, which brought his story to a new generation. Milkha Singh passed away on 18 June 2021 at the age of 91 due to COVID-19 complications. His death was mourned across India, and he was accorded a state funeral in Chandigarh. He remains an enduring symbol of Indian athletic excellence and resilience.