Southampton, Jun 19 (UNI) The Indian cricket team on Saturday wore black armbands on the second day of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand as a mark of respect to track legend Milkha Singh, who passed away due to COVID-19 related complications.
'The Indian Cricket Team is wearing black armbands in remembrance of Milkha Singhji, who passed away due to COVID-19,' the BCCI media cell posted a message on instagram.
Earlier, the whole Indian sports fraternity paid glowing tributes to the Flying Sikh, who put Indian athletics on the world map.
One of India's greatest cricketers, Sachin Tendulkar, said Milkha's legend will live on.
"Rest in Peace our very own ‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh ji. Your demise has left a deep void in every Indian's heart today, but you shall keep inspiring several generations to come," Tendulkar tweeted.
India captain Kohli also paid his tribute to the legendary Olympian, who died on Friday.
'A legacy that inspired a whole nation to aim for excellence. To never give up and chase your dreams. Rest in Peace MilkhaSingh ji. You will never be forgotten,' tweeted Kohli.
Head coach Shastri, on his part, wrote, 'India's greatest Olympics runner. Shook the world in 60s with his competitive spirit inspite of the most limited facilities. He took the word determination and will to compete to another level. Respect. God bless your soul. Condolences to JeevMilkhaSingh & family.'
Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri perfectly summed up the icon for a generation which didn't see him compete but grew up being inspired by his race.
"We may not have seen you compete, but every time we ran fast as kids, we ran 'like Milkha Singh'. And for me, that will always be the legend you leave behind. You didn't just run, you inspired. Rest in peace, sir. #MilkhaSingh," Chhetri tweeted.
Hima, a 400m runner herself like Milkha, said the iconic sprinter had once told her that she was destined for big things.
"After winning World Championship U20 title & medal in Asian Games, I still remember a call from #MilkhaSingh sir that 'Hima just keep on working hard, you have ample time and you can win a medal Gold medal for our country at a global level'," Das in a tweet.
"I will try to fulfill your dream sir," she promised.
Olympic-bound star javelin throwers Neeraj Copra tweeted "We lost a Gem. He will always remain as an inspiration for every Indian. May his soul Rest in peace."
Milkha Singh was a four-time Asian Games gold-medallist and the 1958 Commonwealth Games champion. But, his greatest performance was a near miss, the fourth place finish in the 400m final of the 1960 Rome Olympics, missing the bronze by 0.1 seconds.
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