AI Generated Summary
- Singh, fondly known as the “Turbaned Tornado,” began his marathon career at the age of 89 to overcome depression after losing his wife and son in an accident.
- His admirers across the world remember him not just as a runner, but as a man who turned personal tragedy into a lifelong mission to inspire others.
- According to his family, he was taking his routine walk when an unidentified vehicle, believed to be an Innova or Fortuner, struck him and sped away.
Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathon runner and an enduring symbol of resilience, passed away on Monday following a tragic road accident in Jalandhar district. He was 114.
The incident occurred around 3:30 pm near his native Beas village in Adampur, where Singh was crossing the national highway. According to his family, he was taking his routine walk when an unidentified vehicle, believed to be an Innova or Fortuner, struck him and sped away. He was rushed to Shrimann Hospital in Jalandhar, where he succumbed to his injuries later in the evening.
“An FIR has been lodged, and we are reviewing CCTV footage to trace the vehicle,” said Jalandhar Rural SSP Harvinder Virk.
A Life That Inspired Millions
Singh, fondly known as the “Turbaned Tornado,” began his marathon career at the age of 89 to overcome depression after losing his wife and son in an accident. What started as a coping mechanism soon turned into a remarkable sporting journey.
Between 2000 and 2013, Singh completed 18 marathons across the globe, including London, Toronto, and Hong Kong. Even after retiring from competitive running at 102, he remained a regular at marathon events, often flagging off races and motivating young athletes.
Despite his unparalleled feat of running at such an advanced age, Singh never officially entered the Guinness Book of World Records due to lack of documented proof of his date of birth.
A vegetarian and teetotaler, Singh championed health and humanitarian causes. As a British Sikh, he participated in numerous charity runs, raising funds for premature babies, the welfare of the Sikh community, and other philanthropic causes. He was also featured in campaigns for Adidas and PETA, symbolizing endurance and compassion.
Tributes Pour In
Condolences poured in from political leaders and admirers worldwide. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria expressed deep sorrow, recalling how Singh had joined him during the ‘Nasha Mukt – Rangla Punjab’ march last year.
“Even at 114, his energy was unmatched. His life will remain a beacon of hope for a healthier, drug-free Punjab,” Kataria posted on X.
Congress leader Pargat Singh and BJP’s Iqbal Singh Lalpur also hailed him as a true inspiration for the youth.
A Legacy of Hope
Singh’s life story remains a testament to the power of determination and positivity, proving that age is no barrier to achieving greatness. His admirers across the world remember him not just as a runner, but as a man who turned personal tragedy into a lifelong mission to inspire others.
His funeral is expected to draw thousands, as people gather to pay their final respects to a man who ran his way into history and hearts.
