An Outpouring of Grief for the ‘Turbaned Tornado’
Tributes poured in from across the nation on Tuesday following the death of legendary marathon runner Fauja Singh, who passed away at the age of 114 in a hit-and-run accident in Punjab’s Jalandhar district. Leaders, athletes, and admirers across the world mourned the loss of a man who redefined the meaning of endurance, proving that age is never a barrier to greatness.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying homage, writing on X, “Fauja Singh ji was extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on the very important topic of fitness. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers around the world.”
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called Singh “the pride of the Sikh community,” saying, “He brought global recognition to our community through his long-distance runs. His spirit will live on forever.”
Delhi’s former Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal described Singh as a “hero of the sports arena” whose passion in advanced age “will remain an inspiration for generations.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi highlighted Singh’s extraordinary resolve: “He proved that neither age nor life’s hardships can stop anyone who is truly determined. He was an inspiration for all of us.” Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge added, “His life, a testament to unwavering determination and unbridled resilience, will remain a beacon for the old and young alike.”
In a rare gesture of respect, the Punjab Legislative Assembly observed a moment of silence and passed a resolution in tribute. Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ravjot Singh hailed Singh’s indomitable spirit and his role in promoting fitness and perseverance.
A Life That Inspired the World
Fauja Singh, affectionately known as the “Turbaned Tornado,” was more than just a long-distance runner. He was a symbol of human potential. Born on April 1, 1911, in Beas village, Punjab, Singh had a slow start in life due to weak legs and only began walking at the age of five. Little could anyone have known then that this boy would grow up to become the world’s oldest marathoner.
He moved to East London in 1992 after the death of his wife, Gian Kaur. Running became his escape after he lost his son Kuldeep Singh in 1994. At age 81, Fauja Singh laced up his shoes for the first time, choosing fitness to cope with his grief.
His first major milestone came at 89 when he completed the London Marathon. What followed was a flurry of record-breaking runs across the world—in Toronto, New York, and again in London—shattering age-category records and redefining what it meant to grow old.
Singh often said, “Running is the best way to deal with emotional pain.” He lived by that belief until the very end.
The Tragic End to an Unstoppable Spirit
On Monday afternoon around 3:30 pm, Fauja Singh was on his routine walk near his home in Beas village when he was hit by a speeding vehicle while crossing the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway. The driver fled the scene, and Singh, with head injuries and multiple rib fractures, was rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he passed away that evening.
“He went for his walk every day,” said his youngest son, Harvinder Singh. “We tried to stop him from walking near the highway, but he assured us he’d be careful. He was incredibly fit—even at 114.”
The family is now awaiting the arrival of Singh’s children from the UK and Canada before performing the final rites.
The Accused: A Life Interrupted by Recklessness
The man responsible for the hit-and-run has been identified as 26-year-old Amritpal Singh Dhillon from Kartarpur, Jalandhar. Dhillon, a laborer based in Canada, had returned to India on June 23 to renovate his family home. According to police, he was driving a white Toyota Fortuner registered in Punjab when the fatal accident occurred.
During interrogation, Dhillon admitted to the crime, stating he panicked and fled the scene. “He didn’t know he had hit Fauja Singh until he saw it on the news,” said Senior Superintendent of Police Harvinder Singh Virk. The car has been seized and Dhillon is now in custody, with charges pending under applicable sections of the law.
A Global Symbol of Human Will
Fauja Singh’s rise from personal tragedy to international stardom was as remarkable as the man himself. He became a brand ambassador for marathons, fitness campaigns, and wellness initiatives. Always seen in his signature white beard and traditional turban, Singh shattered stereotypes about aging, race, and human potential.
He inspired not just the elderly, but people of all ages to pursue health and well-being. With a vegetarian lifestyle and spiritual grounding, Singh never missed his walks, and even well past his centenary, he trained like a professional athlete.
Despite retiring from competitive marathons in 2013, he continued to be a strong advocate for physical activity and mental resilience. He often said, “The secret to a long life is to be stress-free, eat less, and run more.”
A Legend Crosses the Finish Line
Fauja Singh’s passing marks the end of a luminous chapter in human achievement. His life was a powerful blend of discipline, faith, and emotional endurance. From a grief-stricken father to a global inspiration, he showed the world that strength comes from within, and that age is only a number.
While his final moments came under tragic circumstances, his story remains one of hope and boundless possibility. Fauja Singh didn’t just run marathons—he ran through barriers, biases, and the limitations of age itself.
India has lost a legend, but his stride continues in the hearts of millions.
(With agency inputs)
