Exceptional athlete with incredible determination: PM Modi condoles Fauja Singh's demise

New Delhi, July 15 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief on Tuesday over the passing of Fauja Singh, a centenarian long-distance runner known as the world's oldest marathon runner, calling Singh an "exceptional athlete with incredible determination".

Fauja Singh, widely recognised as the world's oldest marathon runner, died at the age of 114 in a road accident at Beas Pind near Jalandhar in Punjab on Monday.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, "Fauja Singh Ji was extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on a very important topic of fitness. He was an exceptional athlete with incredible determination."

"Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers around the world," he added.

According to reports, the Indian-British Sikh marathon runner of Punjabi descent was hit by an unidentified vehicle when he was crossing the road in his native village.

A global icon of strength and willpower, Fauja Singh has inspired millions by running marathons past 100. He took up marathon running late in life and has reportedly completed over 100 marathons.

Born in the undivided Punjab at Beas Pind near Jalandhar on April 1, 1911, Fauja Singh started running as a means to overcome his grief after witnessing the death of his fifth son in a construction accident in 1994.

Having emigrated to England in the 1990s, Fauja Singh took running in international competitions at the age of 89 and soon started taking part in International marathons. Settled in Ilford with one of his sons, Fauja Singh, soon became renowned worldwide as he set many records in the 90-plus age category.

Besides the marathon, he would participate in many long-distance running disciplines in the Masters' category. At the age of 100, he accomplished eight world age group records in one day, at the special Ontario Masters Association Fauja Singh Invitational Meet, held at Birchmount Stadium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

His biography, titled Turbaned Tornado, was formally released in the Attlee Room of Britain's House of Lords on July 7, 2011.

He was one of the torchbearers for the London Olympics in 2012 and was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2015 New Year Honours for services to sport and charity.

--IANS

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