During National Games in Patiyala in 1956 he came into limelight . Later on he represented India.He won gold medal in 1958
Asian Games and one more gold in 1962 Asian Games.
What made Milkha famous:
In Rome Olympics 1960 Milkha become famous all over the world especially in Rome. Milkha's long hairs and beard made him attention seeker as no athlete was having long hairs. Everyone thought he is a saint and were surprised that how he can run that fast. "Milkha himself told that being a Sikh made him famous in Rome olympics". The moment he would enter the stadium, the people would cheer him most enthusiastically. After all Milkha Singh was not the world's top athlete, no doubt he was among the top runners in the world. Though Rome saw the assembly of top athletes, yet no athlete could draw as much response from the crowd as Milkha Singh.
What Happened in Rome Olympics:
Milkha ranked fourth in Rome Olympics.Milkha was running with dangerous speed in initial stages of the race.So he tried to slow down a bit and that proved the biggest mistake of his judgement .Pitted against athlete of such high reputation only a small error separated the winner from the
loser.
video of 1960 rome olympics:
How Milkha become Flying Sikh:-
In 1962, Milkha got an invitation to race against Abdul Khaliq who was the Asia's best athlete from Pakistan.He was the winner of 200 m race in Asian Games. Milkha was not interested and enthusiastic going to Pakistan because he had lost his parents during partition.Milkha defeated him in a race by the most convincing manner. He ran so fast that everyone thought he was flying not running.
"He got the name THE FLYING SIKH by the pakistani president Ayub Khan".
Sporty Family:-
His son chiranjeev is a noted international golfer wellknown as jeev milkha singh and his wife Nirmal was a former captain of Indian National Volleyball team.
Key points about Milkha:-
- He reached this peak without any formal training.
- without any financial support
- without any emotional support
- He won 87 of the 90 races he participated.
- He donated all his medals to National Sport Museum,Delhi.
- He was the first Gold medalist in Commonwealth Game from independent India.
After Retirement:
He was appointed as director of sports in Punjab.
He is a inspiration of todays young athlete.
Interview of Milkha Singh:-