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Milkha Singh, Track Star of Post-Colonial India, Is Dead

Milkha Singh, a track star who inspired generations of Indians, died on Friday in Chandigarh. His age was uncertain, but he was either in his late 80s or his early 90s.

His family said the cause was complications of Covid-19. He had tested positive for the coronavirus on May 20 and had been in and out of the hospital for a month. His death came just five days after that of Nirmal Kaur, his wife of 58 years and a sportswoman in her own right.

He was cremated with state honors, and the state of Punjab observed a day of mourning.