Dad Was My Best Friend, Guide, Mentor, Says Jeev Milkha Singh

Ace golfer Jeev Milkha Singh revealed on Monday that his late father, legendary sprinter Milkha Singh's funeral procession got a salute from Army soldiers while the entire country bid a tearful adieu to the former athlete who put India on the global map in track and field.

Milkha Singh died at the age of 91 due to Covid-related complications in a Chandigarh hospital on June 18 and was cremated with full state honours on Saturday, marking the end of an era in which his pioneering accomplishments on the track galvanised a newly-independent India. His ashes were immersed by Jeev and other family members in the Sutlej River at Kiratpur Sahib on Sunday.

Milkha Singh, who was introduced to athletics while serving in the Indian Army, has run many memorable races during his career, despite not being able to win an Olympic medal.