The Glory was All His Till the End of Days

First, he ran to save his life, then he ran to bring honour to his country. The story of the flying Sikh is a testament to grit, determination, and resilience.

The Glory was All His Till the End of Days; Image Source: Wikipedia

When Milkha Singh ran his race, general Ayub Khan, of Pakistan said to Milkha Singh that he didn't just run the fastest that day, he flew. It was after that race he came to be known as the Flying Sikh.

The story of India's greatest athlete was brought to life on the silver screen in the movie, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. The audience was so enraptured by Farhan Akhtar's performance and inspired by Milkha Singh's life that he became an inspiration even to the littlest child in India.

Singh was forged out of the fire. Forced to abandon his homeland during the partition, a young Milkha was forced to leave his family behind and run for his life.

During the early years of independence, life wasn't easy for anyone, especially the refugees. They had to build from the ground up. Disillusioned by the extremities of life, it seemed as though Milkha Singh's world would be quite similar to those of dacoits. But the universe had different plans for him.

Upon coming of age and receiving counsel from his good wishers, Milkha Singh began his preparations to join the Indian army. However, it was only in his fourth attempt that he got recruited. As Milkha had shown athletic prowess, he was selected for special training in athletics.

Milkha Singh was unaware of athletics as a sport and the Olympics. He acknowledged the army's role in introducing him to this world. He trained hard and was chosen to represent India in the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. However, the novice was no match for the stalwarts in the heats. Milkha Singh couldn't qualify.

Though he was disappointed and furious at himself, he was inspired and determined to become the greatest athlete the world had ever seen. But more importantly, he was fuelled by his passion to win a gold medal for India in the Olympics.

Once Singh set records in the national games of India in 1958, there was no stopping him. He won a gold medal in the 400 metres race at the 1958 and British and commonwealth games. Singh became widely acclaimed for his speed, technique, and resilience. Those who trained him and practised alongside him reveal that once Singh set his mind on something, that task was completed. He trained harder and better. He'd push himself till he couldn't push anymore.

Singh's consistently excellent performance meant that India might finally win a medal in the Rome Olympics. However, due to a judgement error, Sikh came fourth. He recounts it as his greatest mistake and worst memory.

Nevertheless, in his illustrious sports career, Sikh made his mark and made India proud at all levels. He was appreciated by athletes across the world set some world records.

Later on, he was promoted to the rank of a junior commissioned officer. Singh was the recipient of the Padma Shri. He declined the Arjuna Award stating that none of the other awardees could match his achievements and levels of dedication to sports.

Singh's achievements are unmatched and will remain so for a long time to come. It was a sad day when India lost its first greatest athlete to COVID-19 on 18th June 2021. Though Milkha Singh is no more, his legacy continues to live and inspire thousands of budding athletes. The man who ran to save his life and then to make his country proud, there may be many greats to come, but there will never be another flying Sikh.