Track legend laid to rest with full state honours

Chandigarh: Chandigarh on Saturday bid a tearful farewell to 'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh (91), who passed away at the PGI Hospital here after a prolonged battle with Covid-19 late on Friday night.

Milkha Singh was cremated with full state honours at the Sector 25 cremation ground here with a police contingent according gun salute by reversing arms and sounding the last post to the legendary athlete, who held the 400m national record for 38 years, while his Asian record in the same event remained unmatched for 26 years.

His son and internationally acclaimed golfer Jeev Milkha Singh lit the funeral pyre.

Punjab Governor V.P. Singh Badnore, Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh earlier visited his residence in Sector 8 here to offer their condolence.

The Chief Minister handed over a photo of the late athlete with Jawaharlal Nehru to Jeev Milkha Singh.

The Punjab government had earlier declared one-day state mourning and a public holiday as a mark of respect to the legendary athlete. IANS

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