Sprint legend Milkha Singh's wife Nirmal Kaur dies of Covid-19 complications

Nirmal Kaur was former Indian volleyball team captain and former Director of Sports for Women in Punjab Government.

She is survived by her husband, one son and three daughters

"We are deeply saddened to inform you that Mrs Nirmal Milkha Singh passed away after a valiant battle against COVID at 4 PM today," a statement from the spokesperson of the Milkha family said.

"A back bone of the Milkha Family, she was 85 years old. It is tragic that the Flying Sikh Milkha Singh ji could not attend the cremation which was conducted this evening itself as he is still in the ICU (of PGIMER in Chandigarh) himself."

Nirmal Kaur was brought to Fortis Hospital at Mohali on May 26, two days after Milkha Singh was admitted to the same hospital for Covid pneumonia, media reports said.

A week later, Milkha was discharged on the request of his family, but Nirmal continued to battle the infection.

On June 3, Milkha was admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of PGIMER Chandigarh where his condition is said to be "stable and continues to improve".

Milkha and Nirmal's son, renowned golfer Jeev Milkah Singh, shared the news of his mother's demise on Twitter.

He wrote: "The Milkha family lost its backbone today. Mom taught us to be humble and be good human beings above everything else. We can never thank her enough for everything she did for us and the unconditional love she showered…every day. Thank you all for the prayers and kind messages."