114-year-old veteran marathon runner Fauja Singh dies in road accident in Jalandhar
His demise was confirmed by author Khushwant Singh, who spoke to Fauja Singh's family members.
Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria, said 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 symbol of resilience. At 114, he joined me in the 'Nasha Mukt, Rangla Punjab' march with unmatched spirit.
His legacy will continue to inspire a drug-free Punjab. Om Shanti Om," the governor posted on X.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji, the legendary marathon runner and symbol of resilience. At 114, he joined me in the 'Nasha Mukt – Rangla Punjab' march with unmatched spirit.
His legacy will continue to inspire a drug-free Punjab.
Om Shanti Om. pic.twitter.com/S6238AkDYu — Gulab Chand Kataria (@Gulab_kataria) July 14, 2025
Fauja Singh's biography, 'The Turbaned Tornado', was written by Khushwant Singh, a former state information commissioner of Punjab.
"My Turbaned Tornado is no more. It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my most revered S. Fauja Singh. He was struck by an unidentified vehicle around 3:30 pm today in his village, Bias, while crossing the road. Rest in peace, my dear Fauja," Khushwant posted on X.
When contacted, Khushwant Singh said that he had spoken with Fauja Singh's family members, who confirmed the news of his death.
Following the road accident, Fauja Singh, the long-distance runner, was taken to a private hospital in Jalandhar, where he succumbed to injuries.
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Time of India
20-07-2025
- Time of India
With state honours, Punjab salutes 114-year-old marathoner Fauja Singh on his final lap
Jalandhar: Fauja Singh, the world's oldest marathoner, was cremated with full state honours in his native village of Beas near Jalandhar on Sunday. He was 114. governor Gulab Chand Kataria, chief minister Bhagwant Mann and political leaders across party lines attended the ceremony, alongside hundreds of admirers and local residents. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Fauja Singh's body was placed in a glass casket earlier in the day, allowing family members and well-wishers to pay their final respects. It was later transported in a hearse to the village cremation ground, where a Punjab Police contingent offered a ceremonial gun salute. His sons, Sukhjinder Singh and Harbinder Singh, lit the pyre. Kataria called Fauja Singh a global inspiration and recalled walking with him during an anti-drug campaign just months ago. "His stamina and spirit were unmatched," he said. Mann announced that the local govt school would be renamed in Fauja Singh's honour and his statue installed at both the village stadium and the sports college in Jalandhar. "He brought international recognition not only to Punjab but also to the Sikh community," Mann said. The centenarian athlete, who gained worldwide fame for running marathons well past the age of 100, died on July 14 after being struck by a speeding vehicle on the national highway near Beas. He was crossing the road to reach a roadside eatery named after his late son, Kuldeep Singh. Police later arrested Amritpal Singh Dhillon, 26, of Dasupur village, on charges of culpable homicide and rash driving. The incident has sparked renewed debate over and hit-and-run incidents. "We lost a gem to a hit-and-run tragedy. The govt should implement stricter action and policies to address the growing menace of hit-and-run cases," said Congress MLA Pargat Singh. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Fauja Singh was more than a runner — an embodiment of Punjab's soul and the essence of Sikh values," he added. Several MLAs – including Congress' Pargat Singh, Rana Gurjeet Singh, Sukhwinder Singh Kotli, Hardev Singh Ladi Sherowalia, AAP's Balkar Singh, and senior SAD leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema – along with former MLA Pawan Teenu, Jalandhar deputy commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal, and Jalandhar range DIG Naveen Singla, placed wreaths at the pyre. MSID:: 122797745 413 |
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Time of India
Fauja Singh hit-and-run case: 'Driver was not an enemy,' says son; 'could have shown humanity'
NEW DELHI: Late marathoner Fauja Singh's son condemned the driver accused in the hit-and-run case involving his father, criticizing him for showing 'no humanity' by fleeing the scene instead of helping Singh get medical attention. "I have read that he claimed he did not know whom he had hit. However, he was a local and should have known that someone elderly had been struck by his vehicle. Had he not fled the scene and taken my father to the hospital, maybe that could have saved his life," Harvinder Singh told PTI on Friday. "He was not our enemy; he could have approached us and admitted it was him. At least for humanity's sake, he should have come forward. Now, the police have taken action in the matter and the case is in their hands," he added. The final rites for Fauja Singh, renowned as the world's oldest marathoner, will be performed at 12pm on Sunday in his native village of Beas, located in Jalandhar. Gurpreet Singh Dhillon was arrested on Tuesday night and remanded to judicial custody the next day in connection with the hit-and-run case involving Fauja Singh. Police said Dhillon had returned to Punjab just three weeks ago and confirmed his vehicle was seized. Originally from Dasupur in Kartarpur, Dhillon had gone to Canada on a tourist visa and later obtained a work permit valid until 2027. He was apprehended at his residence in Dasupur, which is close to Fauja Singh's village, Beas. Leaders across the political spectrum mourned the passing of the marathoner, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting his remarkable spirit and lasting influence in motivating Indian youth to embrace fitness. "Fauja Singh Ji was truly remarkable, inspiring India's youth with his unique personality and approach to the vital topic of fitness. He was an outstanding athlete with unwavering determination. His passing has caused great sorrow. My condolences are with his family and his countless admirers around the world," PM Modi said in a post on X.
Indian Express
16-07-2025
- Indian Express
A nation mourns its Turbaned Tornado Fauja Singh: ‘Symbol of unbreakable spirit, inspiration…'
India Tuesday mourned the loss of Fauja Singh, regarded as the oldest person and the first centenarian to complete a full marathon, who died at the age of 114. Fondly known as the 'Turbaned Tornado,' he died in a road accident at his ancestral village in Punjab's Jalandhar. Leaders cutting across party lines condoled the marathoner's death, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he was extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on the topic of fitness. 'He was an exceptional athlete with incredible determination,' said Modi. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the veteran marathon runner made the Sikh community around the world proud with his long distance running. 'He will always live in our hearts and memories,' Mann posted on X. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said his indomitable energy and message of a healthy lifestyle are a source of inspiration for us all. His life journey will continue to inspire future generations to move forward with discipline, determination, and positive thinking. The Punjab Assembly paid tributes to Fauja Singh. On the concluding day of the special session of the assembly, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ravjot Singh moved a proposal for paying tributes to Singh in the House. Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa and state Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring also condoled the death of the marathon runner. 'At 114, he remained an inspiration for resilience and hope. Punjab and the world salute his incredible life,' Bajwa posted on X. In a post on X, Warring said Fauja Singh 'was an example of grit, determination and perseverance' Pargat Singh, Congress MLA from Jalandhar Cantt and former Indian hockey captain, said, 'Even at the age of 114, he continued to inspire generations with his strength and commitment. His legacy, however, will forever live on in the hearts of those fighting for a healthier, and drug-free Punjab.' Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria said Fauja Singh was 'an enduring symbol of resilience and hope' and even at the age of 114, he continued to inspire generations with his strength and commitment. 'I had the honour of walking alongside him during the two-day 'Nasha Mukt–Rangla Punjab' march from his village in December 2024. Even then, his presence infused the movement with unparalleled energy and spirit,' the governor said, adding Fauja Singh's legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those fighting for a healthier and drug-free Punjab. Former Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh said the legendary marathon runner's 'extraordinary life and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire generations'. Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa termed Fauja Singh 'a symbol of unbreakable spirit, resilience, and timeless inspiration' who proved that age is just a number and purpose knows no limits.
