Fauja Singh's last rites to be held at his village Bias on July 20; a marathoner who redefined limits
PTC Web Desk: The last rites of legendary marathoner Fauja Singh, 114, would be held at his village, Bias, on July 20, with prominent personalities from Punjab expected to pay their final respects. Renowned worldwide for his exceptional marathon records, Fauja Singh passed away on Monday in Jalandhar at the age of 114. He was not only a celebrated athlete, but was popular for his remarkable accomplishments at this age.
However, the destiny had some other plans. The tragedy struck when Fauja Singh was out for a walk near his residence in Jalandhar, where he was hit by a car. The accident occurred late on Monday evening, and Fauja Singh was rushed to a private hospital with serious injuries. Unfortunately, he died during the night despite medical efforts.
The sports world is mourning the loss of one of its most inspirational figures, remembering Fauja Singh not only as a champion marathoner but also as a symbol of resilience and perseverance.
A global icon
Fauja Singh was born in 1911 in the village of Bias, Jalandhar, and became a global icon when he took up marathon running at the age of 90. His dedication to the sport earned him the nickname ‘Turban Tornado.’ At 93, Fauja Singh completed the London Marathon, and at the age of 100, he completed the Toronto Marathon, breaking records in the 100 age category.
He remains the oldest marathon runner to have completed numerous marathons in his lifetime, setting a new benchmark for age and athleticism. Fauja Singh’s achievements were a testament to his hard work, indomitable spirit, and commitment to health and fitness.
Personal tragedy that sparked his marathon journey
Fauja Singh’s decision to take up marathon running was deeply personal. The tragic losses of his fifth son, Kuldeep, in a construction accident in 1994, as well as the deaths of his wife and eldest daughter in 1992, were significant emotional blows. These tragedies motivated him to begin running again in 1995, marking the beginning of a remarkable athletic journey.
Fauja Singh began running marathons at the age of 89, making his international debut in the 2000 London Marathon. His first race was a turning point, with the athlete running in a three-piece suit, which required his coach to make adjustments to his gear. However, Fauja Singh quickly adapted and went on to break multiple records.
In 2004, at the age of 93, he completed a marathon in 6 hours and 54 minutes, setting a new best time for those aged 90 and above. That same year, he appeared in a prominent Adidas advertisement alongside sports legends David Beckham and Muhammad Ali.
Record-breaking achievements at 100 and beyond
At the age of 100, Fauja Singh set eight world records in one day at a special event in Toronto, Canada. These included races ranging from 100 metre to 5,000 metre. A few days later, he completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, claiming the title of the first person to complete a marathon at the age of 100.
Fauja Singh’s autobiography, Turban Tornado, was launched in 2011 in the UK Parliament’s House of Lords, cementing his legacy as a pioneering athlete. In 2012, he was honoured as the oldest man to feature in a PETA campaign and recognised for his contributions to the sports world.
In 2013, just weeks before his 102nd birthday, Fauja Singh completed a 10-km race in Hong Kong in 1 hour and 32 minutes. He then announced his retirement from competitive racing but emphasised that he would continue running for health, enjoyment, and charitable causes.
Fauja Singh’s life and achievements will forever be etched in history as a source of motivation for people of all ages.
RIP, Fauja Singh Ji... Legends like you live on....
- With inputs from agencies
