Milkha Singh’s wife Nirmal Kaur dies due to COVID-19

The former captain of the Indian women’s volleyball team and wife of Flying Sikh Milkha Singh, Nirmal Kaur died on Sunday due to complications relating to COVID-19.

The 85-year-old is survived by her husband Milkha, who is battling the deadly virus at a medical facility in Chandigarh, son Jeev Milkha Singh and three daughters.

“It is tragic that the Flying Sikh Milkha Singh ji could not attend the cremation which was conducted this evening itself as he is still in the ICU himself,” the family said in a statement. 

“The family has expressed its grateful thanks to everyone for their solidarity and prayers right through the battle which gave them the strength to face it bravely.”

Nirmal Kaur contracted the virus two days after Milkha Singh had tested positive for the coronavirus, and was moved to a Mohali hospital late last month. Nirmal Kaur too was admitted to the medical facility after developing pneumonia.

The 91-year-old Milkha Singh was later discharged and brought home after his condition improved, only to be moved back to the Chandigarh hospital. His wife, meanwhile, continued to be treated with her condition showing very little improvement.

Nirmal Kaur’s condition further deteriorated with a significant dip in the oxygen levels which meant that she was put on respiratory support systems. She died at Fortis hospital in Mohali. 

Milkha Singh, meanwhile, is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh.