The legendary Olympian Milkha Singh’s ongoing medical condition became critical late Friday evening after he developed complications, including fever and dropping of oxygen saturation level and he died of post-COVID-19 complications at the PGI, Chandigarh, at 11.30 pm on Friday. He was 91.

CHANDIGARH - Legendary sprinter Milkha Singh, famous as the Flying Sikh, died of post-COVID-19 complications at the PGI, Chandigarh, at 11.30 pm on Friday. He was 91.

Milka Singh was admitted to the PGI on June 3 for COVID treatment and as he tested negative on June 13, he was shifted from the Covid Hospital to the medical ICU, said sources.

His condition turned critical on Friday as he developed complications, including fever and drop in oxygen saturation level. He had tested positive on May 20 and was kept in home isolation before being shifted to a private hospital on May 24 as he developed pneumonia. He was discharged on his family's request from there on May 30, but admitted to the ICU of the PGI Covid Hospital on June 3 as his oxygen level dipped.

A statement issued by the son, Jeev Milkha Singh said,  "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. 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. We are deeply indebted to the doctors at PGI for their valiant efforts and the love and prayers we received from across the world and from yourselves.’’

The entire country paid glowing tributes to the legend. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his condolence message.

Milkha Singh's wife Nirmal Kaur, former Indian women volleyball team captain, died on June 14 due to complications related to Covid. He could not attend the cremation of his wife as he was admitted to the ICU at the PGI.