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Milkha Singh was a Sikh sportsperson who became famous worldwide for his success in the sport of sprinting. He was an Indian track athlete who was the first Indian male athlete to make it to the final of an Olympic athletics competition.He had always been remembered for his legacy and patriotism.
Milkha Singh was born on 20 November 1929. He was famously known as the Flying Sikh. He was an Indian track and field sprinter who discovered his passion for athletics while serving in the Indian Army. Some thinks that his birthdate Falls on October 17. He came to be known as the Flying Sikh after beating Pakistan's champion athlete Abdul Khaliq in the year 1960.
He was born in Govindpura, Punjab, now Pakistan. Singh lost his parents at the time of the Partition of India in 1947. He enlisted in the Indian Army in 1951, where he was drawn towards sports. Through his hard work and perseverance, he became India's most renowned sportsman.
Milkha Singh was married to Nirmal Kaur, a former Indian women's volleyball captain. They had a son and three daughters, who is a professional golfer named Jeev Milkha Singh.
Milkha Singh died on 18 June 2021 because of COVID-19 complications. He was 91 years old when he died.
Milkha Singh was the only Indian athlete to win an individual athletics gold medal at a Commonwealth Games until Krishna Poonia won the discus gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. He also won gold medals in the 1958 and 1962 Asian Games. He represented India in the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome and the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Milkha Singh was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his sporting achievements. The race for which Singh is best remembered is his fourth-place finish in the 400 metres final at the 1960 Olympic Games.
The 2013 biographical sports drama film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is a depiction of Milkha Singh's life, from his childhood trauma during the Partition of India to becoming a world-class sprinter. Singh was played by Farhan Akhtar in the movie, which received critical acclaim for its description of his journey.
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag had songs such as "Zinda" and "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" that became anthems of encouragement and perseverance and have helped strike a chord in the hearts of listeners all over the globe.
For the movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, actor Farhan Akhtar played the role of Milkha Singh, and he gave a performance that was highly appreciated for its depth and credibility.
Milkha Singh gained fame for his remarkable sprinting skills, especially the performance at the 1960 Rome Olympics, where he just fell short of a medal in the 400 meters. His courage and perseverance in the midst of personal tribulations encouraged millions.
As of 2025, Milkha Singh's net worth stands at around ₹83 crore, having made it through his glorious athletics career, brand promotion, and other business endeavors.
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