Milkha Singh passes away: A look at the legendary records and laurels attained by 'The Flying Sikh'
Milkha Singh was a legendary Indian runner and sprinter, who represented India on the global platform. He succumbed to COVID-19 on Friday night. As the nation mourns his sad demise, we present the legendary records and laurels he achieved.
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FollowThe nation is in shock following the unfortunate demise of legendary former Indian athlete Milkha Singh. The runner-cum-sprinter was one of the best India had ever seen to date.
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Milkha was known to have dominated field and track events for a long time, thus scripting records and helping the nation attain numerous wreaths. As the nation mourns the passing away of the legend, we present the records, along with the laurels, he attained and brought to the country, thus making the Indians proud.
Gold-winning performance in Asian Games and Commonwealth Games
In one of the most legendary and proudest achievements he ever attained, Milkha was the first from the nation to win gold in the 400m race during the 1958 Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. His record at the CWG stayed for over five decades.
1960 Olympics record
During the 1960 Rome Olympics, Milkha took part in the 400m race but could finish only fourth. However, he still managed to enter the record books as he, along with the three podium finishers, managed to break the existing world record, while his finish time of 45.73 seconds became a national record for a long time.
Other on-field appearances and achievements
- Milkha made his debut during the 1958 Asian Games, winning the gold medal.
- He made his Olympics debut in Melbourne in 1956. However, he attained recognition only during the Rome 1960 event.
- He lit up the 1962 Asian Games once again, winning twin golds in the 400m and 400m relay.
- In another national achievement, he also won the silver during the 1964 National Games in Kolkata in the 400m race.
- The 1964 Tokyo Olympics happened to be his final appearance where he and his team was eliminated in the heats of the 400m relay.
Recognitions
Owing to his achievements, he was awarded the fourth highest civilian honour by the Indian government, the Padma Shri, in 1959.
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