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What was Milkha Singh's ultimate wish before dying?

Milkha Singh was a legendary former Indian athlete known for his prolific and record-scripting abilities in track and field events, having won numerous gold medals for India. As he has passed away at 91, do you know what his ultimate wish was? Check it out.

What was Milkha Singh's ultimate wish before dying?-ayh
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New Delhi, First Published Jun 19, 2021, 3:48 PM IST

Legendary former Indian athlete Milkha Singh's demise has left the entire nation shattered. He was 91 and passed away after a month-long battle with the novel coronavirus and its complications.

Milkha won seven gold medals for India, along with a silver. He unfortunately never won a medal in the Olympics, having participated on three occasions. At the same time, the 1960 Rome Olympics is rated as his best, during which he missed out on a sure-shot medal owing to a technical judgement error.

What was Milkha Singh's ultimate wish before dying?-ayh

Although Milkha wished he could forget the 1960 memory, he hoped that any other Indian could win an Olympic medal in track athletics. According to IANS, while he was in his 70s, he would show up at the Sector 7 Sports Complex in Chandigarh, which happens to be the athletics hub of the city, and inspire young athletes with his pep talks. "Marnay se pehle Milkha Singh ka ek sapna hai -- Hindustan ko Olympic mein medal mile (Before I die, I wish to see an Indian athlete win a medal at the Olympics)," he used to tell the youngsters.

India has never won a medal in the track events in Olympics. The last time someone came close after Milkha was PT Usha during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics in the 400m hurdles, where she managed to finish fourth.

ALSO READ: Gurbachan Singh Randhawa recalls Milkha Singh's heart-breaking moment from 1960 Rome Olympics

What was Milkha Singh's ultimate wish before dying?-ayh

"He used to visit the stadium once or twice a week and often discussed training methods with coaches. His house was close to the sports complex. We also went to meet him as he was the president of Chandigarh Athletics Association from 1978 to 1999," said Chandigarh's athletics coach Shiv Kumar Joshi.

Also, talented Indian woman sprinter Hima Das recalled the last time she spoke to Milkha, as he wanted her to win an Olympic medal. "I remember sir spoke to me during the World Championship in Finland, and I am now missing whatever he told me. He always used to say that hard work is the key to success and during the World championship he told me that 'Hima be serious from now, you have to give good timing in Asian Games' being in discipline and listening to coach is important, he used to tell me," she told ANI.

What was Milkha Singh's ultimate wish before dying?-ayh

"I will always remember the tips of sir and will improve our sport. When I started my journey, Milkha Singh was the first name which I came to know and how he used to run. I feel really lucky that sir always spoke to me and guided me. Milkha Singh Sir was an inspiration for the entire nation; all his memories are coming in front of my eyes," she concluded.

NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona

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