Legendary marathon runner Fauja Singh passed away late Monday evening at the age of 114 after being struck by an unidentified vehicle while out for a walk in his native village in Punjab's Jalandhar district. He was rushed to a private hospital in Jalandhar following the incident, but succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria, said he was "deeply saddened" by the passing away of Fauja Singh.
"Deeply saddened by the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji, the legendary marathon runner and symbol of resilience. At 114, he joined me in the 'Nasha Mukt, Rangla Punjab' march with unmatched spirit. His legacy will continue to inspire a drug-free Punjab. Om Shanti Om," the governor posted on X.
Former Punjab CM and BJP leader Captain Amarinder Singh also expressed condolences on the demise of the legendary marathon runner.
Taking to microblogging site X, he wrote, "Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Fauja Singh Ji, the legendary marathon runner, at the age of 114 in a tragic road accident. His extraordinary life and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire generations. May his soul rest in peace."
Fauja Singh's biography, 'The Turbaned Tornado', was written by Khushwant Singh, a former state information commissioner of Punjab.
"My Turbaned Tornado is no more. It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my most revered S. Fauja Singh. He was struck by an unidentified vehicle around 3:30 pm today in his village, Bias, while crossing the road. Rest in peace, my dear Fauja," Singh posted on X.
When contacted, Singh said that he had spoken with Fauja Singh's family members, who confirmed the news of his death.
A Jalandhar police official also confirmed Fauja Singh's death, saying he was out for a walk in Bias village when an unidentified vehicle struck him. The 114-year-old had suffered head injuries and succumbed in the evening.
The erring driver, who is yet to be identified, fled after the incident, SHO of Adampur Police Station in Jalandhar, Hardevpreet Singh, told PTI over the phone.
"He was walking on the road when a car coming from Bhogpur hit him. He suffered head injuries and was taken to a private hospital where he died in the evening," the SHO said as reported by PTI. A case of rash and negligent driving has been registered against the driver, the officer added.
Born in 1911 into a family of farmers, Fauja Singh was the youngest of four siblings. He became the first centenarian to complete a marathon, earning multiple records while participating in international events.
Singh began running marathons at an old age, gaining the nickname "Turbaned Tornado" for his endurance and athleticism. He moved to England in the 1990s and later returned to live in his native village in Punjab. He was a torchbearer for the London 2012 Olympics.
Fauja Singh decided to run marathons for charity in 1999. His first such charity event was for premature babies. In 2013, Fauja Singh, who was honoured at a local school in Fatehgarh Sahib, said that one of his goals was to promote the understanding of Sikh culture.
*With Agency Inputs
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