Milkha Singh was a parent figure in Indian athletics: Tayabun Nisha

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Former international athlete Tayabun Nisha termed the death of legendary athlete Milkha Singh as a great loss for athletics in India. Milkha died this morning due to post COVID-19 complications. In an interaction with The Sentinel the veteran athlete also said that it would be hard to get a person of Milkha Singh's stature whom she considers as the parent of Indian athletics. Here is the excerpt.

The Sentinel (TS): Legendary athlete Milkha Singh is no more...

Tayabun: It's a great loss. I was shocked when I heard the news first and I remained very upset throughout the day. It looked like I had lost one of my family members.

TS : Perhaps you have met him personally on several occasions...

Tayabun: Yes. Many times. He was a very good human being. Whenever we met 'Flying Sikh' talked with me on different subjects but each and every occasion athletics was the prime subject. He even inquired about the scenario of the game in Assam also.

TS : Unlike most other star performers Milkha Singh boasts of his achievement. What is your comment?

Tayabun: It's hundred percent correct. He was a very down to the earth person. Milkha was a legendary athlete and brought Indian athletics to the world map alone. But I had never seen him glorify his achievement in public which is a sign of a true gentleman.

TS : Earlier you said that he was the parent figure of Indian athletics…

Tayabun: Yes. First he mesmerised the track with magnificent performance. He narrowly missed a medal from the Olympics but won four gold medals from two Asian Games. Milkha also collected a gold medal from Commonwealth Games. Just remember he earned those medals at that time when there were no modern facilities and cash incentive for the athletes. After quitting the game he was very much instrumental to shape the career of many athletes of the country. Milkha was truly a parent figure of Indian athletics.

TS: What the upcoming athlete should learn from him !

Tayabun : I think his attitude towards the game. Through his own performance the legendary athlete spread only one message: 'Stay focus and work hard. Success will come automatically.' I feel the present athletes of the country can perform wonderfully in national and international circuits if they follow this message of Milkha.

Also Read: Indian film industry mourns Milkha Singh's death

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