Latest news with #2ndAnnualChardikalaRun
NDTV
15-07-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Fortuner That Hit And Killed Marathoner Fauja Singh Identified: Cops
The car which hit 114-year-old marathon runner Fauja Singh on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway and sped away has been identified almost 24 hours after the incident, cops said. The world's oldest marathoner died in the accident. The cops, using CCTV footage, have identified a Punjab-registered white Toyota Fortuner, which was allegedly involved in the hit-and-run, but a search is still on for the driver. Multiple teams have been formed to identify the accused who rammed Fauja Singh. The legendary runner suffered head injuries in the incident and died in the hospital. Mr Singh, popularly known as 'Turbaned Tornado', was a global icon. He was born on April 1, 1911 and lived through history, witnessing two world wars, two global pandemics, and India's partition in 1947. In the 90s, he moved to England to live with one of his sons. The death of his son Kuldip and his wife forced him to search for a worthwhile alternative in life. Age was never a barrier for him. In 2000, at the age of 89, he made his debut at the iconic London marathon, which grabbed the world's attention. He went on to participate in Toronto, New York, and other cities within his age group. He was a torchbearer for the 2004 Athens Games and 2012 London Olympics, and appeared in an advertisement for a major sports brand alongside legends like David Beckham and Muhammad Ali. In 2012, Malaysia organised the 2nd Annual Chardikala Run with the theme of "101 and running". The event was a tribute to Fauja Singh's achievements, and he was honoured with the BrandLaureate Award. In 2013, Fauja participated in the Hong Kong marathon, where he completed the race in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds. Following this, he announced his retirement from running at the age of 102. However, he continued running for his well-being and charitable causes. People from the sporting community and political leaders mourned Fauja Singh's death. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Fauja Singh Ji was extraordinary due to his unique personality and his approach to inspiring India's youth on the crucial topic of fitness. He was a remarkable athlete with unwavering determination. His passing has caused great sorrow. My condolences are with his family and his countless admirers around the world." Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of centenarian marathon legend, the globally celebrated 'Turbaned Tornado,' Fauja Singh ji. His life, a testament to unwavering determination and unbridled resilience, serves as a profound inspiration for fitness enthusiasts, aspiring athletes and the young and old alike." "My deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and admirers," he added.
NDTV
15-07-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Who Was Fauja Singh? 114-Year-Old Marathoner Who Defied Age And Became An Inspiration
The entire sports fraternity of India mourned the loss of the world's oldest marathoner, Fauja Singh. The 114-year-old passed away on Monday after he was involved in a road accident. According to a report in BBC Punjabi, a car hit him on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway on Monday afternoon. He suffered a serious head injury and was immediately rushed to a hospital. However, he succumbed to the injuries. Condolences from all over the country started to pour in as India lost an icon, who was considered an inspiration for the masses. Who was Fauja Singh? Popularly known as the "Turbaned Tornado", Fauja was born on April 1, 1911 in Beyas village, Jalandhar, Punjab. Being born even before the first World War, Fauja saw a lot of historic moments getting unfold during his lifetime. The biggest and the darkest moment came in 1947 during India's partition, which completely turned his life upside down. In the 90s, he shifted to England to live with one of his sons. In 2000, at the age of 89, Fauja made his debut at the London Marathon. He then grabbed everyone's attention as he went on to join international marathons in Toronto, New York, and others within his age group. He was a torchbearer for the 2004 Athens Games and 2012 London Olympics, and appeared in an advertisement for a major sports brand several years ago alongside the likes of David Beckham and Muhammad Ali. In 2012, Malaysia organised the 2nd Annual Chardikala Run with the theme of "101 and running". The event was a tribute to Fauja's marvelous achievements and was honoured on stage with the BrandLaureate Award during the closing ceremony. In 2013, Fauja participated in the Hong Kong marathon, where he completed the race in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds. Following this, he announced his retirement from running at the age of 102. However, he continued running for his well-being and charitable causes.
Mint
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Mint
Who was Fauja Singh? Internet says World's oldest marathon runner who died at 114 was ‘inspiration, much younger'
World's oldest marathon runner and prominently known as 'Turbaned Tornado', Fauja Singh died at 114 in a road accident on Monday in Punjab's Jalandhar district. Since his passing, heartfelt tributes have poured in, with many calling him 'inspiration'. 'We received information that Fauja Singh has died. We have come to the have registered a case under the relevant accident happened on the main road near Beas city. We are checking the CCTVs,' ANI quoted Thana Incharge HP Preet Singh as saying. Fauja Singh's biography states that he was born on April 1, 1911. He was unable to walk until he was five years old. Although Singh started off as a casual runner, the Partition of India disrupted his life, as it did for millions in the region. He is called as the "Sikh Superman". Following the loss of multiple family members due to accidents and other misfortunes, Fauja Singh resumed running to help manage his sorrow and depression. During the 1990s, the marathoner relocated to England to reside with one of his sons. At 89 years old, in 2000, he he made his debut at London Marathon. Singh's comeback was an extraordinary as did competitive running, joined international marathons in Toronto, New York and others within his age group. He has accomplished it six more times since then. In 2012, Fauja Singh appeared as a special guest at the 2nd Annual Chardikala Run in Malaysia. The event was themed "101 and running" as a tribute to his remarkable age and achievements. During the closing ceremony, he was honoured on stage with The BrandLaureate Award. After participating in the Hong Kong marathon on February 24, 2013, just five weeks before his 102nd birthday, Singh announced his retirement from competitive running. He completed the 10-kilometre race in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds. Despite stepping back from competition, he shared his intention to keep running for enjoyment, well-being, and charitable causes. One of the users remarked, 'He was an absolute inspiration! Whenever my son and myself complains about getting tired during runs or sports, we get charged up just hearing the names of Sr Fauja Singh and Milkha Singh. May your legacy live forever. Waheguru🙏' Another said, 'The Turbaned Tornado is no more. Rest easy S Fauja Singh Ji, you will be deeply missed.' A third user commented, "Fauja Singh was a huge inspiration. Sad to hear he's died after being hit by a car. 'As impressive as Fauja Singh was, he doesn't own any masters records because his age wasn't verified. The hard truth is that he was likely *much* younger than claimed,' a user reacted. "Deeply saddened by the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji, the legendary marathon runner and an enduring symbol of resilience and hope. 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 Beas, district Jalandhar in December 2024. Even then, his presence infused the movement with unparalleled energy and spirit," Governor Gulab Chand Kataria said.
