Gadkari pays tribute to 'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh on death anniversary
Synopsis
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari paid humble tribute to legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh, the 'Flying Sikh' and Padma Shri awardee, on his death anniversary on 18 June, honouring a national sporting icon whose Olympic legacy continues to inspire India.
Key Takeaways
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari posted a tribute to Milkha Singh on his death anniversary, 18 June .
Milkha Singh , known as the 'Flying Sikh', passed away on 18 June 2020 .
He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1959 , one of the earliest civilian honours given to an Indian athlete.
Singh represented India at the 1956 Melbourne and 1960 Rome Olympics and won multiple Asian Games gold medals .
Annual tributes from political and sporting figures keep his legacy prominent in national memory.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday, 18 June paid tribute to legendary Indian sprinter and Padma Shri awardee Milkha Singh, popularly known as the 'Flying Sikh', on his death anniversary. Gadkari posted a heartfelt message on X, offering his respects to the iconic athlete.
In his post, Gadkari wrote — 'फ्लाइंग सिख पद्मश्री मिल्खा सिंह जी की पुण्यतिथि पर उन्हें विनम्र अभिवादन' — meaning, 'Humble salutations to the Flying Sikh, Padma Shri Milkha Singh ji, on his death anniversary.'
Context
Milkha Singh passed away on 18 June 2020, leaving behind a legacy as one of India's greatest track-and-field athletes. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1959, making him one of the earliest recipients of the honour in independent India's sporting history. His death anniversary is observed each year with tributes from across the political spectrum, the sports community, and civil society.
Policy Backdrop
The Indian government has a long tradition of officially recognising sporting icons through civilian honours such as the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna. Milkha Singh represented India at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and the 1960 Rome Olympics, and won multiple gold medals at the Asian Games, cementing his place as a pioneer of Indian athletics. Public tributes by ministers on death anniversaries form part of a broader culture of institutional memory around national sporting heroes.
Stakeholders and Impact
The tribute resonates with India's athletic community, sports administrators, and citizens who grew up watching or reading about Milkha Singh's extraordinary journey — from a partition-era refugee to a national icon. His story has also been widely popularised through cinema, keeping his legacy alive for younger generations. Annual commemorations by senior government figures help sustain public awareness of the sacrifices and achievements of pioneering Indian athletes.
What's Next
Each year on 18 June, government bodies, sports federations, and public figures across India mark Milkha Singh's death anniversary with tributes, events, and social media campaigns. His legacy continues to inspire India's athletics programmes and youth sports initiatives. As India's sporting ambitions grow on the global stage, commemorations of trailblazers like the 'Flying Sikh' are likely to remain a fixture in the national calendar.
Point of View
Such posts broaden his public persona beyond roads and highways. The gesture also reflects the broader political consensus around Milkha Singh — a figure who transcends party lines and commands universal admiration.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Milkha Singh die?
Milkha Singh passed away on 18 June 2020 due to COVID-19 complications, at the age of 91.
Why is Milkha Singh called the Flying Sikh?
Milkha Singh earned the nickname 'Flying Sikh' for his extraordinary speed on the track. The title is said to have been given to him by Pakistan's then-President Ayub Khan after Singh won a race in Lahore.
What awards did Milkha Singh receive?
Milkha Singh was awarded the Padma Shri in 1959 , one of India's highest civilian honours, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to athletics.
Which Olympics did Milkha Singh participate in?
Milkha Singh represented India at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and the 1960 Rome Olympics , where he narrowly missed a bronze medal in the 400 metres final.
Why did Nitin Gadkari pay tribute to Milkha Singh?
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari posted the tribute on 18 June to mark the death anniversary of Milkha Singh , honouring the legendary sprinter's contributions to Indian sport.
