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News18
a day ago
- Sport
- News18
Who Was Fauja Singh? 114-Year-Old, Who Ran Marathons World Over, Died In Road Accident
Last Updated: Fauja Singh received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honour from the National Ethnic Coalition on November 13, 2003, recognising him as a powerful symbol of racial tolerance. Veteran marathoner Fauja Singh passed away at the age of 114 after being struck by an unidentified vehicle in his native village in Punjab's Jalandhar district. The tragic incident occurred in Bias village, where Singh was out for his routine walk when he was hit, suffering severe head injuries. He succumbed to his injuries later that evening, according to a local police official who confirmed the details. His death was also confirmed by author Khushwant Singh, former Punjab State Information Commissioner, who spoke to members of Fauja Singh's family. Khushwant Singh had chronicled the athlete's extraordinary life in his biography, The Turbaned The 'Sikh Superman' Who Redefined Age And Endurance Fauja Singh, often hailed as the 'Sikh Superman," was born on April 1, 1911, according to his biography. He faced early physical challenges and was unable to walk until the age of five. Initially a casual runner, Singh's life, like many others, was deeply disrupted by the Partition of India, which left lasting personal and emotional scars. Years later, after suffering a series of devastating personal losses, including the deaths of several family members, Singh returned to running as a way to cope with grief and depression. His passion for the sport reignited, he moved to England in the 1990s to live with his son and, remarkably, at the age of 89, he ran his first marathon—the London Marathon—in 2000. What began as a personal comeback soon evolved into a record-setting journey. Singh entered several international marathons, including in Toronto and New York, becoming a global sensation in his age group. Over the years, he completed six full marathons, inspiring people around the world with his determination and spirit. In 2012, he was a special guest at the 2nd Annual Chardikala Run in Malaysia. The event was themed '101 and Running" in honour of his exceptional longevity and achievements. During the closing ceremony, Singh received the prestigious BrandLaureate Award on stage. On February 24, 2013, just weeks shy of his 102nd birthday, Singh ran his final competitive race—a 10-kilometre event at the Hong Kong Marathon, which he completed in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds. While he officially retired from competitive running after that, he expressed his commitment to continue running for personal well-being and to support charitable causes. Fauja Singh's journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the boundless potential of the human spirit, regardless of age. World Records Broken By Fauja Singh 100m – 23.40 seconds (previous 29.83) 200m – 52.23 seconds (previous 77.59 seconds) 400m – 2:13.48 (previous 3:41.00) 800m – 5:32.18 (no previous record) 1,500m – 11:27.00 (previous 16:46.00) Mile – 11:53.45 (no previous record) 3,000m – 24:52.47 (no previous record) 5,000m – 49:57.39 (no previous record) Awards Won By Singh Fauja Singh received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honour from the National Ethnic Coalition on November 13, 2003, recognising him as a powerful symbol of racial tolerance. Remarkably, he was the first non-American ever to be bestowed with the award. In 2011, he was further celebrated with the Pride of India title for his extraordinary achievements and inspiration to millions. A lifelong vegetarian and advocate for healthy living, Singh also holds the distinction of being the oldest man to feature in a PETA campaign. His global appeal even saw him appear in a high-profile advertisement for a major sportswear brand, sharing the screen with legends David Beckham and Muhammad Ali. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Mint
a day ago
- Sport
- Mint
Who was Fauja Singh? Internet says World's oldest marathon runner who died at 114 was ‘inspiration, much younger'
World's oldest marathon runner and prominently known as 'Turbaned Tornado', Fauja Singh died at 114 in a road accident on Monday in Punjab's Jalandhar district. Since his passing, heartfelt tributes have poured in, with many calling him 'inspiration'. 'We received information that Fauja Singh has died. We have come to the have registered a case under the relevant accident happened on the main road near Beas city. We are checking the CCTVs,' ANI quoted Thana Incharge HP Preet Singh as saying. Fauja Singh's biography states that he was born on April 1, 1911. He was unable to walk until he was five years old. Although Singh started off as a casual runner, the Partition of India disrupted his life, as it did for millions in the region. He is called as the "Sikh Superman". Following the loss of multiple family members due to accidents and other misfortunes, Fauja Singh resumed running to help manage his sorrow and depression. During the 1990s, the marathoner relocated to England to reside with one of his sons. At 89 years old, in 2000, he he made his debut at London Marathon. Singh's comeback was an extraordinary as did competitive running, joined international marathons in Toronto, New York and others within his age group. He has accomplished it six more times since then. In 2012, Fauja Singh appeared as a special guest at the 2nd Annual Chardikala Run in Malaysia. The event was themed "101 and running" as a tribute to his remarkable age and achievements. During the closing ceremony, he was honoured on stage with The BrandLaureate Award. After participating in the Hong Kong marathon on February 24, 2013, just five weeks before his 102nd birthday, Singh announced his retirement from competitive running. He completed the 10-kilometre race in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds. Despite stepping back from competition, he shared his intention to keep running for enjoyment, well-being, and charitable causes. One of the users remarked, 'He was an absolute inspiration! Whenever my son and myself complains about getting tired during runs or sports, we get charged up just hearing the names of Sr Fauja Singh and Milkha Singh. May your legacy live forever. Waheguru🙏' Another said, 'The Turbaned Tornado is no more. Rest easy S Fauja Singh Ji, you will be deeply missed.' A third user commented, "Fauja Singh was a huge inspiration. Sad to hear he's died after being hit by a car. 'As impressive as Fauja Singh was, he doesn't own any masters records because his age wasn't verified. The hard truth is that he was likely *much* younger than claimed,' a user reacted. "Deeply saddened by the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji, the legendary marathon runner and an enduring symbol of resilience and hope. Even at the age of 114, he continued to inspire generations with his strength and commitment. I had the honour of walking alongside him during the two-day 'Nasha Mukt - Rangla Punjab' march from his village Beas, district Jalandhar in December 2024. Even then, his presence infused the movement with unparalleled energy and spirit," Governor Gulab Chand Kataria said.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Fauja Singh, 114-yr-old marathon runner from Punjab, killed in road accident
Fauja Singh, the 114-year-old legendary marathon runner from Punjab and the UK, died at a private hospital in Jalandhar on Monday evening. Fauja Singh(HT File) He was reportedly hit by an unidentified vehicle around 3.30 in the afternoon when he was crossing the road in his village Beas. 'My Turbaned Tornado is no more,' Chandigarh-based author Khushwant Singh posted on Facebook, referring to the title of Fauja Singh's biography that he wrote. 'It is heartbreaking to learn that he lost his life today in a tragic road accident,' Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria said. Khushwant shared a video tribute too. Started running marathons at 89 Fauja Singh said he was born on April 1, 1911. He could not walk until he was five years old, his biography noted. He grew up to become an amateur runner but Partition of India disrupted his life much as it did for lakhs of others in the region. After a number of his family members died in accidents and otherwise, he returned to running as means to overcome depression. Having migrated to England in the 1990s to live with one of his sons, at 89 years of age, he seriously returned to running and competed in age-group international marathons. 'Will continue to inspire' 'Even at the age of 114, he continued to inspire generations with his strength and commitment. I had the honour of walking alongside him during the two-day 'Nasha Mukt: Rangla Punjab' march from his village Beas, district Jalandhar, in December 2024. Even then, his presence infused the movement with unparalleled energy and spirit,' Kataria added. His legacy, he said, would live on in the hearts of those fighting for a healthier, and drug-free Punjab. 'My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers across the globe. May his soul attain eternal peace,' the governor's message read.
India Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Farhan Akhtar's Bhaag Milkha Bhaag to re-release in theatres on July 18
'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' is all set for a re-release in theatres on July 18, 2025. This will give audiences a chance to relive the inspiring story of the late legendary athlete Milkha Singh on the big film, which was released in 2013, features actor Farhan Akhtar in a transformative role as Milkha Singh, alongside notable performances by Sonam Kapoor, Divya Dutta, and Prakash Raj. Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the movie captures Singh's journey from a troubled childhood to becoming one of India's most celebrated sports filmmaker described the film as "a tribute to the indomitable spirit of a man who turned pain into purpose." In a statement issued on Monday, Akhtar said, "Portraying Milkha Singh was both an honour and a responsibility. I'm grateful that audiences will get the chance to experience the film once again on the big screen, where its emotion and spirit truly come alive."His performance received widespread acclaim, bringing depth and authenticity to the portrayal of the iconic sprinter known as 'The Flying Sikh.'Kapoor added, "It's a powerful story of resilience and the human spirit. I'm especially proud of the love 'O Rangrez' continues to receive. Watching the film again will be a tribute to Milkha Singh Ji's legacy and a celebration of meaningful cinema."The screening of 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' will take place in select PVR INOX Singh, who died in 2021 at the age of 91, left behind a legacy of achievements, including earning gold medals at the Commonwealth and Asian Games.'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' begins with the 1960 Olympic race, then delves into Singh's early life, the hardships he faced during the Partition of India, and culminates with his victorious race against Pakistani sprinter Abdul Khaliq. Through its evocative storytelling and vibrant music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, the film continues to inspire audiences worldwide.- EndsMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Farhan Akhtar#Sonam Kapoor
Mint
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Operation Sindoor reflects India's values and emotions: PM in Gujarat - ‘Could Modi sit silently after Pahalgam attack?'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched yet another attack on Pakistan by asserting that Operation Sindoor is not just a military action but an expression of the values and emotions of Indians. By launcing the strikes on terror camps in Pakistan during the operation, PM said, he lived upto to the expectations of 140 crore people of India. "Jab koi hamari behno ke sindoor ko mitayega, toh uska bhi mitna tay ho jata hai... Atank phailane walon ne sapno mein bhi socha nahi hoga Modi se muqabala kitna mushkil hota hai. (When someone removes the Sindoor from our sisters' and mothers' foreheads, then their death is also confirmed. Those who fan terror had not even imagined in their dreams how difficult is it to face Modi), " Modi said addressing a public rally in Dahod on Monday, first day of his two-day visit to Gujarat. Modi also recalled May 26, 2014 when he took oath as Prime Minister for the first time. This is PM Modi's first visit to his home state in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor– India's precision strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan earlier this month, after the 22 AprilPahalgam attackthat killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in South Kashmir. 'After what the terrorists did in Jammu & Kashmir's Pahalgam (on April 22), could India sit silently? Could Modi sit silently?… Operation Sindoor is not just a military action, it is an expression of the values and emotions of Indians,' he said. Modi said ever since Pakistan was born after Partition of India, the country has focused on targetting India while we in India focused on removing poverty. 'To become Viksit Bharat, we need to develop economincally while securiing our borders,' he said. PM Modi urges citizens to buy and use products made in India during festivals like Holi, Diwali and Ganesh Puja Earlier, Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects worth around ₹ 24,000 crore in Dahod. He also inaugurated a locomotive manufacturing plant and flag off an electric locomotive from Dahod on the first day of this visit today. Modi also flagged off Ahmedabad-Veraval Vande Bharat service and Valsad-Dahod express train on the occasion. Before the Dahod event, patriotic fervour gripped Vadodara during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow, which was held in honour of the Indian armed forces for successfully conducting Operation Sindoor. When someone removes the Sindoor from our sisters' and mothers' foreheads, then their death is also confirmed. Operation Sindoor is not just a military action; it is an expression of the values and emotions of Indians. Modi began his two-day visit to Gujarat today, 26 May. During the stay in his home state, Modi is launching projects worth over ₹ 82,950 crore, hold roadshows in Vadodara, Bhuj and Ahmedabad besides addressing public meetings. Modi will later travel to Bhuj and launchmultiple development projects worth over ₹ 53,400 crore.
