Tributes have been pouring across the globe as legendary Indian athlete Milkha Singh, 91, whose 400 metres Indian national record stood for 38 years and the 400 metres Asian record for 26 years, died at the age of 91 after a long battle with Covid-19 on Friday night. Singh is survived by international golfer son Jeev Milkha Singh and daughters Mona Singh, Sonia Singh and Aleeza Grover. According to government officials, his cremation will be held in his hometown Chandigarh at 5 p.m. on Saturday with state honours.

Since he was tested Covid-19 negative later, his mortal remains are currently kept at his residence in Sector 8, Chandigarh. The security has been beefed up security at his residence with prominent personalities expected to visit there to pay obeisance. Five days back Milkha's wife, Nirmal Kaur, a former India volleyball captain, had lost her battle to the virus at a private hospital in Mohali near here. Condoling the demise of Milkha Singh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country has lost a colossal sportsperson.