Story of Legend. #FylingSikh

 

Milkha Singh(1929 - 2021), the famous International sprinter, is the only one who won Gold medals for 400 meters race in Asian Games as well as Commonwealth Games. There is book written on him known as “The Race of My Life – An Autobiography of Milkha Singh” by his Daughter Sonia Sanwalka.

The entire life story of the legend has been described so precisely. His success was perfect mixture of regular practice, hard work, self-discipline, dedication and the determination to perform.

He was young when he saw his entire family devastated due to India-Pakistan Partition. He suffered so much, that for many days he lived at railway station and tried to co-ordinate to his family but due to lack of sources he could not. He had great bond with his sister, Isher, who even rescued him from jail.

In 1952, he joined the army force due to recommendation of his brother, Makhan and was posted at EME Centre at Secunderabad. The reason for his strong determination to be athlete was, he saw some young players representing India wearing Blue Blazer and vests. He wanted to feel the same privilege and make his place amongst Indian athletes. While in competition he was been harmed by his envy, but he showed his sportsmanship and even after being aware about the deeds of his envy, he did not reveal the culprit to his seniors although he was given chance, this incident shows his humbleness.

He has been keeping himself renounced from all pleasure and distractions, to keep himself dedicated to his practice. Running was such an obsession to him that he would practice 365 days, come what may. This attitude helped to carved as perfect athlete. His words were “I firmly believe, if a person works hard and sincerely, his efforts would be rewarded.” His routine was so well followed by him that he would never be late to sleep nor to wake up.

The tradition of promoting soldier automatically, after he wins gold medal at international level, was initiated when Milkha Singh won in Tokyo.

Even he was named “FLYING SIKH” by General Ayub Khan from Pakistan, when the competition was held between Abdul Khaliq and Milkha Singh in Pakistan.

The 2 incidents that haunted him were: Massacre of his family during partition and wrong judgement in Rome Olympics, 1960.

He married to girl, Nirmal Saini (1938-2021), who was captain of Indian Volleyball Team. His 3 daughters and a son are even experts in different sports. He has even worked to improve sports System in India by bringing reforms.

Even Milkha singh had announced a reward of Rs. 2,00,000, to any athlete who breaks his record of 45.6 seconds in the Olympics. Till now no has achieved it. He even said, when he won’t exist and yet someone who would achieve, his Son Jeev Milkha Singh would honor this reward.

Even as inspiration, a movie on him has been created name "Bhaag, Milkha Bhaag!", for which he just accepted Rs. 1 from Production House. His story just does not show his sportsmanship, dedication and determination but also patience, humbleness, kindness & respect for elders and relations. Even he was fond of dogs so his family had almost every breed at their place.

 Recently, India had great loss, he died due to Corona on 18^th June, 2021, exactly after 5 days of his wife died on 13^th June, 2021. May their Soul Rest in Peace.