by Milkha Singh – The Flying Sikh
Milkha Singh, popularly known as ‘The Flying Sikh,’ was an Indian track and field athlete. Born in 1935 in Punjab, India, Milkha Singh had a difficult childhood, having witnessed the partition of India in 1947, which led to the brutal murder of his parents. However, he overcame his struggles and went on to become one of India’s greatest athletes, winning numerous medals and setting several records. Let’s take a closer look at the life and achievements of Milkha Singh.
Milkha Singh Early Life and Struggles
Milkha Singh was born into a Punjabi Sikh family in the village of Govindpura, which is now in Pakistan. He lost his parents during the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, which was a traumatic experience for him. He and his sister escaped to India, where they lived in poverty and struggled to make ends meet. Despite the difficulties, Milkha Singh had a keen interest in sports from a young age and would often run to school.
Journey to Becoming ‘The Flying Sikh’
In 1951, Milkha joined the Indian Army, which provided him with the opportunity to hone his running skills. He began to train under the guidance of Hawaldar Gurdev Singh, who recognized his talent and encouraged him to participate in athletic events. Milkha Singh won his first gold medal in the 200m race at the Services Athletics Championship in 1955. This marked the beginning of his journey towards becoming ‘The Flying Sikh.’
Achievements and Records
Milkha Singh’s greatest achievement came in the 1960 Rome Olympics when he narrowly missed out on a medal in the 400m race. He finished fourth, setting a national record of 45.6 seconds, which stood for almost 40 years. He also won gold medals in the 400m and 4x400m relay events at the 1958 and 1962 Asian Games, respectively. He was the first Indian athlete to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal in the 440 yards category in 1958.
Legacy and Impact
His legacy extends beyond his impressive athletic achievements. He inspired a generation of athletes in India and became a symbol of hope and perseverance for millions of people. He established the Milkha Singh Charitable Trust to support underprivileged children and was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in recognition of his contributions to sports.
Conclusion
Milkha Singh’s life story is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and determination. Despite facing numerous obstacles, he overcame them with hard work and dedication to become one of India’s greatest athletes. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate people across the world, and he will always be remembered as ‘The Flying Sikh.’
