iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathon runner and an enduring symbol of resilience and fitness, passed away at the age of 114 in a road accident in Punjab.
He died on Monday after being struck by an unidentified vehicle while crossing the road in his native village, Beas Pind, near Jalandhar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on Tuesday, recalling Singh’s inspiring presence and his role in promoting physical fitness among the youth.
Born on April 1, 1911, in what was then undivided Punjab, Singh rose to international fame not only for his remarkable athletic achievements but also for the spirit and determination he brought to long-distance running.
He began running at the age of 89, turning to the sport as a way to cope with personal loss after the death of his fifth son in a construction accident during the 1990s. His passion for running soon became a global phenomenon.
After moving to England, Singh became a familiar face in international marathons and long-distance events, particularly in the Masters’ category.
He completed more than 100 marathons and gained widespread admiration for running well into his 100s. At the age of 100, he set eight world age-group records in a single day at a special meet in Canada, solidifying his place in the history of athletics.
In 2012, Singh carried the Olympic torch during the London Games, a moment that highlighted his global recognition. He was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2015 for his contributions to sports and charitable causes.
Known affectionately as the “Turbaned Tornado”, his life and career were chronicled in a biography of the same name, released at the British House of Lords in 2011.
Singh was based in Ilford, London, where he lived with one of his sons. Despite his age, he remained active and continued to motivate others through his dedication to health and perseverance.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from around the world, reflecting the deep impact he had on generations of athletes and admirers.
(Photo courtesy: x.com/ashishsood_bjp)
