New Delhi [India], July 15: India is grieving the loss of legendary marathon runner Fauja Singh, affectionately known as the ‘Turbaned Tornado,’ who passed away on Monday at the age of 114 in a tragic road accident in his ancestral village in Jalandhar, Punjab.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, calling Singh “extraordinary” in a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter).
“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,” Modi wrote. “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.”
Singh, also known as the ‘Sikh Superman,’ stunned the world with his late-blooming athletic career. He began marathon running at the age of 89 with the 2000 London Marathon and went on to complete multiple marathons in London, Toronto, New York, and other cities — setting age-group records and redefining the limits of human endurance.
Tributes poured in from across the country, remembering Singh as a symbol of resilience and an icon of fitness.
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria expressed his sorrow, highlighting Singh’s role in social causes.
“Even at the age of 114, he continued to inspire generations with his strength and commitment,” Kataria said. “I had the honour of walking alongside him during the ‘Nasha Mukt–Rangla Punjab’ march in December 2024. His presence brought unparalleled energy and spirit to the movement.”
Former Punjab Chief Minister and BJP leader Captain Amarinder Singh also mourned Singh’s passing.
“His extraordinary life and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire generations,” he wrote on X.
Despite his age, Fauja Singh remained active in public life and continued advocating for fitness and a drug-free Punjab. His legacy, built not just on medals but on motivation, lives on through the countless lives he touched — both in India and around the world.