Hunt on for driver who ran over Fauja Singh; leaders across parties condole death

Chandigarh | The hunt was on for the driver who ran over and killed the world’s oldest marathoner Fauja Singh while he was walking down a village road in Punjab's Jalandhar district, police said on Tuesday.

Fauja Singh was 114, and the ironies could not be more tragic for the legend who got into stride just when others were slowing down.

The marathon runner succumbed to injuries on Monday evening after being hit by an unidentified vehicle in his native Bias village.

Some villagers on Tuesday said that it was probably an SUV which struck Fauja Singh in a hit-and-run incident. He was tossed 5-7 feet in the air, they claimed.

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.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said that the veteran marathon runner made the Sikh community around the world proud with his long distance running.

"Very sad to hear about the death of famous Punjabi Sikh runner Fauja Singh ji. The world's oldest runner Fauja Singh ji, who made the Sikh community proud in the world with his long distance running, will always live in our hearts and memories. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones," Mann posted on X.

Residents of Bias village also mourned the marathoner's death.

Mahinder Singh, a villager, said the spot where the accident took place would be about 400 metres from Fauja Singh's home.

"It's a highway... He was taken to a nearby hospital but succumbed to injuries. We were told that an unknown vehicle tossed him 5-7 feet in the air," he said.

"He was a very nice person. Everyone respected him a lot," the villager added.

Another local Gurpreet Singh said after the vehicle struck Fauja Singh, he was immediately rushed to hospital.

"We took him to hospital... The vehicle which struck him could be an SUV. He suffered injuries to head and other parts of body. Entire village has plunged into sadness after his demise. Our village got global recognition due to him," Gurpreet said.

On Tuesday, the Jalandhar police said that efforts are on to trace the erring driver, who had fled after the incident.

The last rites of Singh are likely to be conducted after a couple of days, a family member told PTI on Tuesday.

"We have many relatives living abroad including in the UK and Canada. So, it may take some time before they reach," he said.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said the news of Fauza Singh's demise is deeply saddening.

"Living a healthy lifestyle and reaching the age of 114, which seems impossible in today's era, he made possible," said Saini in a post in Hindi on X.

"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 Haryana CM said.

The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday 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.

"Deeply saddened by the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh ji, the world's oldest 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, Punjab Congress chief Warring wrote, "Saddened over the untimely death of our legend #FaujaSingh Ji. He was an example of grit, determination and perseverance running marathons well past 100 years.

"More shocking is that he fell victim to a hit-and-run incident. We never know how long he may have lived more. A precious and an illustrious life has been taken away from us. Hope the culprit is identified and punished," Warring said in his post.

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."

The widely-admired 114-year-old, whose career as a marathon runner began when he was 89 and propelled him to the status of a global icon, gaining the nickname "Turbaned Tornado" for his endurance and athleticism.

Born in 1911 into a family of farmers, Fauja Singh was the youngest of four siblings. He became the first centenarian to complete a marathon, earning multiple records while participating in international events.

He went on to run marathons, including the famed ones in London, New York and Hong Kong, and inspire awe for clocking some brilliant timings for a 90-plus man born with weak legs.

Among the most memorable of his runs was in 2011 when he turned 100. The invitational meet in Toronto was named in his honour and he broke several world records for his age group.

The frail man, who weathered many personal storms with his resilience and "nonchalance", had spent a better part of his running career in Britain and returned to his roots just about three years ago after retiring.

Last year, Singh, in a symbolic gesture, joined Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria in a walkathon to spread awareness against drug abuse.

Fauja Singh during a Marathon event Out for walk, 114-yr-old marathon runner Fauja Singh dies after being hit by vehicle in Jalandhar

Chandigarh | Veteran marathon runner Fauja Singh died on Monday after being hit by an unidentified vehicle while out for a walk in his native village in Punjab's Jalandhar district. He was 114.

His demise was confirmed by author Khushwant Singh, a former state information commissioner of Punjab, who spoke to Fauja Singh's family members. Khushwant Singh had written a biography on Fauja Singh titled 'The Turbaned Tornado'.

A Jalandhar police official also confirmed Fauja Singh's death, saying he was out for a walk in Bias village when an unidentified vehicle struck him. Fauja Singh suffered head injuries and succumbed in the evening.

The erring driver, who is yet to be identified, fled after the incident, SHO of Adampur Police Station in Jalandhar, Hardevpreet Singh, told PTI over the phone.

"He was walking on the road when a car coming from Bhogpur hit him. He suffered head injuries and was taken to a private hospital where he died in the evening," the SHO said.

A case of rash and negligent driving has been registered against the driver, the officer added.

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.

In a statement issued later, Kataria said, "His legacy, however, will forever live on in the hearts of those fighting for a healthier and drug-free Punjab. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers across the globe. May his soul attain eternal peace, said the governor."

Last year, Fauja Singh, in a symbolic gesture, joined Kataria in a walkathon to spread awareness against drug abuse.

In a post on X, Khushwant Singh said, "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."

When contacted, he said that he had spoken with Fauja Singh's family members, who confirmed his death.

Following the accident, Fauja Singh was taken to a private hospital in Jalandhar, where he succumbed to injuries, Khushwant Singh said.

BJP leader and former Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh said the veteran marathon runner's "extraordinary life and unwavering spirit" will continue to inspire generations.

"Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Fauja Singh Ji, the legendary marathon runner, at the age of 114 in a tragic road accident. His extraordinary life and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire generations. May his soul rest in peace," he said.

Born in 1911 into a family of farmers, Fauja Singh was the youngest of four siblings. He became the first centenarian to complete a marathon, earning multiple records while participating in international events.

Singh began running marathons at an old age, gaining the nickname "Turbaned Tornado" for his endurance and athleticism.

He moved to England in the 1990s and later returned to live in his native village in Punjab. He was a torchbearer for the London 2012 Olympics.

Fauja Singh decided to run marathons for charity in 1999. His first such charity event was for premature babies.

In 2013, Fauja Singh, who was honoured at a local school in Fatehgarh Sahib, said that one of his goals was to promote the understanding of Sikh culture.

"My beard and my turban have enhanced my respect in the world, and I believe in God... That's the reason I was able to accomplish my goals in life," he said.

The 114-page biography captures Fauja Singh's zest for life and his invincible spirit. Lord Anthony Young of Norwood Green had formally released the biography of Fauja Singh in 2011 in London.