Courtesy-Kannadiga World
Milkha Singh, the Commonwealth and Asian Games gold medalist has not only won many awards on the circuit, but he has also stolen many hearts with his heartbreaking tale. Singh was born in Govindpura, Punjab (now Pakistan), and lost both of his parents during the bloodshed that erupted during India’s partition. Before moving to Delhi to live with his sister, he was forced to live in refugee camps. Singh’s brother was the one who persuaded him to join the Indian army. Since then, Singh has been racing and has never looked back, earning India medals on the international level.
Here are some facts about Milkha Singh that you probably didn’t know:
1. Milkha was prone to become a dacoit as a result of his childhood’s harrowing and painful history of partition.
2. Milkha Singh’s first pay as a technical jawan in the Army was Rs.39 and 8 anna.
3. Milkha was once imprisoned in Tihar for travelling by train without a ticket. Since his sister sold her jewellery, he was released on parole.
4. His race finish in the 1960 Rome Olympics in the 400 meters became the national record, which he held for almost 40 years.
5. After Milkha Singh’s outstanding success at the Asian Games, Pakistan’s General Ayub Khan bestowed the title of “Flying Sikh of India” on him.
6. After Mikha requested it, then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru announced a one-day holiday to thank him for making the country proud.
7. Milkha Singh donated all of his medals and sporting mementos to the government, which are now housed in Patiala’s Sports Museum.
8. Milkha, the first Indian to receive a Commonwealth gold medal, refused the government’s Arjuna Award in 2001, claiming that it was “40 years too late.”
9. In 1999, Milkha adopted Bikram Singh’s 7-year-old son, who had fought in the Kargil War.