For 50 long years, Milkha Singh was celebrated as a hero in India, a country always eager to find figures to idolize. Despite narrowly missing out on a victory in the 400 meters race at the Rome Olympics, where he broke the Olympic record and finished at 45.6 seconds, Milkha Singh was hailed as a Sikh hero and an Indian hero. He became a symbol of inspiration for the nation, with a biopic titled ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ released to widespread acclaim five decades after his Olympic appearance.
Milkha Singh made a bold statement by proving that Indians too could produce world champions. His entry into Indian athletics in 1956 marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. Just two years later, he set records in the 200 and 400 meters categories at the national games in Cuttack. Despite being the favorite to win at the 1960 Rome Olympics, Milkha Singh faced fierce competition. In a heart-wrenching turn of events, he finished fourth in the race, missing out on a medal by a narrow margin.
Similarly, PT Usha, India’s top 400-meter runner, experienced a devastating loss at the Los Angeles Olympics. Transitioning from sprinting to hurdles, Usha came agonizingly close to securing a medal for India, missing out by a mere one-hundredth of a second. Her remarkable performance, although falling short of a podium finish, solidified her status as a national hero.
Both Milkha Singh and PT Usha were revered by the Indian populace for their contributions to athletics. Their near-misses at the Olympics underscored the need for sustained support and investment in developing a medal-winning athletic team in India. Despite the lack of immediate success following their inspiring performances, their legacy endured, inspiring future generations of athletes.
It took over six decades for India to clinch a gold medal in track and field, achieved by Neeraj Chopra at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. The unexpected victory brought immense pride and joy to the nation, signaling a new era of success in athletics. However, the enduring memory of Milkha Singh and PT Usha’s unforgettable misses serves as a reminder of the resilience and spirit of Indian athletes on the global stage.
As the nation looks forward to the upcoming Paris Olympics, celebrating past legends like Milkha Singh and PT Usha becomes paramount in honoring their enduring legacy. Their stories of determination, grit, and near-triumphs continue to inspire athletes and fans alike, embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship and resilience.