Milkha Singh, also known as The Flying Sikh, was one of India’s greatest athletes and an icon of determination, discipline, and national pride. His journey from a difficult childhood to becoming India’s fastest sprinter is one of the most inspiring stories in Indian sports history. Even after his passing in 2021, Milkha Singh’s legacy, achievements, awards, and contributions continue to influence generations of athletes.
Who is Milkha Singh?
Milkha Singh was an Indian track and field sprinter and one of the most celebrated athletes in the country. Known for his unmatched speed and fearless performance in international competitions, he earned the title “Flying Sikh” from Pakistan’s President Ayub Khan in 1960. He represented India in three Olympics and won multiple gold medals, establishing himself as a national hero.
Milkha Singh Biography Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Milkha Singh |
| Nickname | The Flying Sikh |
| Date of Birth | 20 November 1929 |
| Date of Death | 18 June 2021 |
| Age at Death | 91 Years |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Athlete / Sprinter |
| Events | 200m, 400m |
| Religion | Sikh |
| Known For | India’s most iconic sprinter |
Milkha Singh Age & Death Details
Milkha Singh was born on 20 November 1929 and passed away on 18 June 2021 at the age of 91 years.
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Early Life and Education Details of Milkha Singh
Milkha Singh was born in a village in undivided Punjab. His early life was marked by hardship, the loss of his family during partition, and intense struggle for survival. He discovered his love for running while in the Indian Army, despite the difficulties. He became a world-class sprinter after the Army saw his potential and gave him professional training.
Family Details of Milkha Singh
Milkha Singh came from a simple Punjabi Sikh family. He suffered the tragic loss of his parents during the 1947 Partition. Later, he built a strong family with his wife, Nirmal Kaur, a former volleyball captain. Their family is known for sports excellence, discipline, and philanthropy.
| Member | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Not Known |
| Mother | Not Known |
| Wife | Nirmal Kaur (Former Indian Volleyball Captain) |
| Son | Jeev Milkha Singh (Professional Golfer) |
| Daughter | Dr. Sonia |
| Adopted Son | Havildar Bikram Singh (Martyr, adopted in 1999) |
Milkha Singh Height & Physical Appearance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’10” |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Hair | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Career Journey of Milkha Singh
Milkha Singh’s running career began in the Indian Army, where his extraordinary speed earned him national attention. He became one of the best sprinters in Indian history by competing in both domestic and international competitions. His most unforgettable performance was in the 1960 Rome Olympics, where he narrowly missed a bronze medal in the 400m final one of the closest finishes in Olympic track history.
Key Career Highlights
- Gold Medal – Asian Games 1958 (200m & 400m)
- Gold Medal – Commonwealth Games 1958 (440 yards)
- Represented India in 1956, 1960, and 1964 Olympics
- Awarded the title “Flying Sikh” for his speed and determination
His dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship made him a symbol of Indian athletics.
Milkha Singh Net Worth Details & Income Sources
At the time of his passing in 2021, Milkha Singh’s estimated net worth was around ₹10–15 Crore.
| Category | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Total Net Worth | ₹10–15 Crore |
| Source of Earnings | Sports rewards, pensions, royalties, endorsements |
| Govt. Grants & Honours | Land & financial benefits |
| Movie Royalties | Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (donated entirely to charity) |
| Investments | Limited but stable |
| Lifestyle Type | Simple & disciplined |
Sources of Wealth
- Lifetime government honors & rewards
- Sports scholarships and awards
- Brand endorsements (selective)
- Royalties from his biography & the film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
- Investments and savings
- Pension & national athlete financial support
Milkha Singh Wife & Relationships
Milkha Singh was married to Nirmal Kaur, a respected Indian volleyball player and former captain of the women’s national team. Their shared love of sports, discipline, and respect for one another made their marriage admirable. Until their deaths in 2021, they continued to be one of India’s most inspirational sports couples.
Milkha Singh Death Reason
Milkha Singh passed away on 18 June 2021 due to COVID-19 related complications. He was admitted to the hospital after testing positive for the virus and initially showed signs of recovery. However, post-COVID pneumonia caused his health to decline, ultimately resulting in cardiac arrest.
His wife, Nirmal Kaur, had also passed away just a few days earlier from COVID-19 complications, making the loss even more tragic for the nation. Millions of people are still motivated by Milkha Singh’s legacy, which signaled the end of an era in Indian athletics.
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Status |
|---|---|
| Fan Pages / Tribute Pages | |
| Fan Pages | |
| Public Legacy | Documentaries, Films, Books |
Lesser-Known Facts About Milkha Singh
- Milkha Singh once ran from Delhi to Meerut as punishment in his early Army days this incident made him realize his true speed.
- He donated all profits from Bhaag Milkha Bhaag to charity, particularly for underprivileged athletes.
- He is one of the only Indian athletes to win gold in both Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
- Milkha trained by running on sand dunes and in extreme heat to build stamina.
- He rejected several political offers because he believed his contribution was to sports, not politics.
FAQs
What was Milkha Singh’s net worth at the time of death?
Around ₹10–15 Crore.
Why is Milkha Singh called The Flying Sikh?
Pakistani President Ayub Khan gave him the title after witnessing his phenomenal speed.
Did Milkha Singh win an Olympic medal?
No, but he finished 4th in the 1960 Rome Olympics 400m — one of the closest finishes ever.
Who was Milkha Singh’s wife?
Nirmal Kaur, former Indian volleyball captain.
How did Milkha Singh contribute to society?
He donated major earnings to charity and supported young athletes throughout his life.
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