From Defeating Milkha Singh To Losing His Leg In An Accident And Dying In Poverty - The Tragic Story Of Makhan Singh

We all know the story of Milkha Singh, the Flying Sikh who pretty much put India on the map when it came to track and field. But this is not about him. This story is about a man who actually defeated Milkha, the only Indian to do so in the 400m race. His name is Makhan Singh, and from running for India to dying forgotten, his tale is as tragic as they come.

Makhan was born in Bathulia and from an early age took to running. He was quick without a doubt and despite the lack of proper infrastructure, he made do with what he had. Joining the army proved to be a great move as it enhanced his scope of representing them in national events. It was there that the actual story began.

BCCL

His claim to fame first began at the 1959 National Games where he won bronze. But it was only a sign of things to come. In 1960 he clinched gold in the short sprint and silver in the 300m race. Makhan had truly arrived on the scene. However he was not done yet.

The 1962 edition saw him bag as many as 4 gold medals. The highlight would be the win over Milkha who by then was an international name. Makhan had beaten the best and now was a contender for the top level. The national editions were like bread and butter for him. 16 medals that included 12 golds, 3 silvers and 1 bronze are proof that he loved to run and run with pride. All this was between 1959 and 1964.

Archives

The 1962 Asian Games was the taste of international glory. Makhan ran the 4*400m relay to secure gold and a silver followed in the 400m. Things were on the up and up for Makhan and he was the toast of the nation.

But life has a way of balancing itself. He took part in the 1964 Olympics but did not have much to show for his efforts. In 1972, Makhan retired from the Indian army and opened a stationery shop in this village. Things seemed to be going smoothly until 1990.

He injured his foot on a piece of glass and doctors decided to amputate it so as to prevent risk of further infection. This really was the beginning of the end. There was no financial support, he was a forgotten athlete whom nobody cared about.

PTI

By the time the end came in 2002, he was deep in poverty, he had no money left and died a lonely death. The man who had beaten Milkha was one whom nobody remembered.

Makhan's story is tragic and it just shows how neglected our athletes are when they fall through the cracks. Some are lucky to get support, but Makhan was not one of them. He did receive the Arjuna Award but sadly joins the list of forgotten sportspersons whose achievements are barely a footnote on the pages of our sporting history.