JALANDHAR, July 15 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday led the tributes to legendary centenarian marathoner Fauja Singh, who died after being hit by an unidentified vehicle near his native village of Beas in Punjab’s Jalandhar district on Monday afternoon. The 114-year-old, globally admired for his extraordinary endurance and spirit, was fatally injured while crossing the road during his daily walk.
“Fauja Singh ji was extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on the very important topic of fitness,” Modi posted on X. “Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers around the world.”
Widely known as the Turbaned Tornado and Sikh Superman, Singh earned global recognition for his marathon achievements well into his late years. His story was one of resilience and reinvention—he turned to running after the death of his fifth son in 1994, and completed his first London Marathon in 2000 at the age of 89. He went on to finish six more in London, and also raced in Toronto, New York, and several other cities.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann described Singh as a symbol of Sikh pride. “The world’s oldest runner, Fauja Singh, who brought glory to the Sikh community all over the world through his long runs, will always live in our hearts and memories,” Mann wrote on X.
Former Delhi CM and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said the world had lost a sporting legend. “He will live forever in history and in our hearts. His passion at an advanced age will remain an inspiration for generations to come,” he posted.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also offered condolences, calling Singh’s life “a testament to unwavering determination and unbridled resilience.” “His story inspires fitness enthusiasts, aspiring athletes, and people of all ages. My deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and admirers,” Kharge wrote.
Singh, who remained a vegetarian and active walker until his final day, suffered head injuries and fractured ribs in the accident around 3:30 p.m. Though he was rushed to a private hospital, his condition deteriorated and he could not be revived.
His son, Harvinder Singh, who lives in Jalandhar, said, “He was fit at 114 and never missed his evening walk. We had tried to dissuade him from walking near the busy highway, but he assured us he’d be fine. We never imagined he would pass away like this.”
The family is now waiting for Singh’s children to arrive from the UK and Canada before performing the last rites.
Police have launched an investigation and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run.
Born on April 1, 1911, Fauja Singh was the youngest of four siblings. He moved to East London in 1992 after his wife’s death, and began running in his 80s as a way to cope with grief. “Running is the best remedy for emotional pain,” he once said, “It healed my soul.”
Singh leaves behind a global legacy—not only as a record-setting athlete in multiple age brackets, but as a beacon of hope, discipline, and lifelong fitness.
Read more: Marathoner Fauja Singh Dies at 114 in Road Accident
