Bhubaneswar: Legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh passed away Friday night at the age of 91.

The 1958 Commonwealth Games champion and 1960 Rome Olympian had contracted Covid-19 30 days ago and had lost his wife, the former Indian national women's volleyball team captain Nirmal Milkha Singh five days ago.

Singh was admitted to a private hospital in Mohali on May 24. and had been discharged on May 30. He was admitted to the Covid-19 ward in the Nehru Hospital Extension at PGIMER on June 3 dafter his oxygen levels dropped.  Singh had tested negative for Covid-19 on Thursday this week and was shifted from the Covid-19 ICU to the medical ICU at PGIMER.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Singh's death with a tweet on social media.

"In the passing away of Shri Milkha Singh Ji, we have lost a colossal sportsperson, who captured the nation’s imagination and had a special place in the hearts of countless Indians. His inspiring personality endeared himself to millions. Anguished by his passing away," he wrote.
"I had spoken to Shri Milkha Singh Ji just a few days ago. Little did I know that it would be our last conversation. Several budding athletes will derive strength from his life journey. My condolences to his family and many admirers all over the world," PM Modi added.
Singh is survived by three daughters and a son.