Late legend Milkha Singh’s son Jeev Milkha Singh paid tribute to his father, who passed away due to COVID-19 complications last week, saying he would need a lifetime of resilience to deal with his father’s loss his best friend, guide and mentor. Milkha Singh was one of independent India’s biggest sporting icons, who died on Friday after battling the infection for a month.
On Father’s Day, Jeev said, “another sad reminder of what I’ve lost.” When Jeev was in Dubai, his father tested positive for COVID-19 and reached India in a couple of days and said, “Dad was much more than my father- he was my best friend, my guide, my mentor.”
He further tweeted, “I lost my mom and dad. But what has been even more emotional is the thousands of messages we have been getting from people as if they have lost someone of their own. Thank you to all dad’s fans and well-wishers for supporting us at this time.” He added, “I hope I’ve got the same resilience and inner strength to overcome all odds. I need it now and I will need it for the rest of my life.”
The legend was cremated on Saturday evening with full state honours with Jeev lighting the pyre. Sports Minister, Kiran Rijiju, Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator VP Singh Badnore, Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal and Haryana’s Sports Minister Sandeep Singh were among the dignitaries who attended the last rites. Jeev lastly said, “The Milkha family has always been grateful to the Indian Army and I want to thank them again.”
