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Xtra Time Web Desk: Legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh on Friday passed away due to COVID complications. He was 91 years old. Milkha Singh was admitted to a hospital in Mohali on May 24. He was kept under observation at Intensive Care Unit (ICU).   

Milkha Singh was infected with the novel coronavirus on May 19 and was in isolation at his Chandigarh residence. He was admitted to the Fortis Hospital on May 19 after his oxygen level dropped. His death came five days after his wife Nirmal also succumbed to post COVID complications.  

"It is with extreme sadness that we would like to inform you that Milkha Singh Ji passed away at 11.30 pm. on the 18th of June 2021," his family announced in a statement.

"He fought hard but God has his ways and it was perhaps true love and companionship that both our mother Nirmal ji and now Dad have passed away in a matter of 5 days," the statement further added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary sprinter. He tweeted, "In the passing away of Shri Milkha Singh Ji, we have lost a colossal sportsperson, who captured the nation's imagination and had a special place in the hearts of countless Indians. His inspiring personality endeared himself to millions. Anguished by his passing away."

Popularly referred to as the 'Flying Sikh', Milkha Singh made his name in the track and field, winning four gold medals at the Asian Games. He also won a gold at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff.

He narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal, finishing fourth at the 400m final of the 1960 Rome Games.

Milkha Singh finished the race in a time 45.73 seconds. It remained a national record for nearly 40 years before Paramjeet Singh surpassed it in 1998.

Milkha Singh had also taken part in the 1956 and 1964 Olympics. He was conferred the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, in 1959.