114-yr-old marathon runner Fauja Singh dies after being hit by automobile whereas out for a stroll

Chandigarh: Veteran marathon runner Fauja Singh died on Monday after being hit by an unidentified automobile whereas out for a stroll in his native village in Punjab’s Jalandhar district. He was 114.

His demise was confirmed by creator Khushwant Singh, a former state info commissioner of Punjab, who spoke to Fauja Singh’s members of the family. Khushwant Singh had written a biography on Fauja Singh titled ‘The Turbaned Twister’.

A Jalandhar police official additionally confirmed Fauja Singh’s dying, saying he was out for a stroll in Bias village when an unidentified automobile struck him. Fauja Singh suffered head accidents and succumbed within the night.

The erring driver, who’s but to be recognized, fled after the incident, SHO of Adampur Police Station in Jalandhar, Hardevpreet Singh, advised PTI over the cellphone.

“He was strolling on the highway when a automotive coming from Bhogpur hit him. He suffered head accidents and was taken to a personal hospital the place he died within the night,” the SHO mentioned.

A case of rash and negligent driving has been registered towards the driving force, the officer added.

Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria, mentioned 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 image of resilience. At 114, he joined me within the ‘Nasha Mukt, Rangla Punjab’ march with unmatched spirit. His legacy will proceed to encourage a drug-free Punjab. Om Shanti Om,” the governor posted on X.

In a press release issued later, Kataria mentioned, “His legacy, nevertheless, will eternally stay on within the hearts of these combating for a more healthy and drug-free Punjab. My heartfelt condolences to his household and admirers throughout the globe. Could his soul attain everlasting peace, mentioned the governor.” Final 12 months, Fauja Singh, in a symbolic gesture, joined Kataria in a walkathon to unfold consciousness towards drug abuse.

In a submit on X, Khushwant Singh mentioned, “My Turbaned Twister is not any extra. It’s with nice unhappiness that I share the passing of my most revered S. Fauja Singh. He was struck by an unidentified automobile round 3.30 pm immediately in his village, Bias, whereas crossing the highway. Relaxation in peace, my pricey Fauja.” When contacted, he mentioned that he had spoken with Fauja Singh’s members of the family, who confirmed his dying.

Following the accident, Fauja Singh was taken to a personal hospital in Jalandhar, the place he succumbed to accidents, Khushwant Singh mentioned.

BJP chief and former Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh mentioned the veteran marathon runner’s “extraordinary life and unwavering spirit” will proceed to encourage generations.

“Deeply saddened to listen to concerning the passing of Fauja Singh Ji, the legendary marathon runner, on the age of 114 in a tragic highway accident. His extraordinary life and unwavering spirit will proceed to encourage generations. Could his soul relaxation in peace,” he mentioned.

Born in 1911 right into a household of farmers, Fauja Singh was the youngest of 4 siblings. He turned the primary centenarian to finish a marathon, incomes a number of information whereas collaborating in worldwide occasions.

Singh started working marathons at an previous age, gaining the nickname “Turbaned Twister” for his endurance and athleticism.

He moved to England within the Nineties and later returned to stay in his native village in Punjab. He was a torchbearer for the London 2012 Olympics.

Fauja Singh determined to run marathons for charity in 1999. His first such charity occasion was for untimely infants.

In 2013, Fauja Singh, who was honoured at a neighborhood college in Fatehgarh Sahib, mentioned that certainly one of his objectives was to advertise the understanding of Sikh tradition.

“My beard and my turban have enhanced my respect on this planet, and I consider in God… That’s the explanation I used to be in a position to accomplish my objectives in life,” he mentioned.

The 114-page biography captures Fauja Singh’s zest for all times and his invincible spirit. Lord Anthony Younger of Norwood Inexperienced had formally launched the biography of Fauja Singh in 2011 in London.