PM Modi Pays Heartfelt Tribute To Marathon Runner Fauja Singh After His Demise, Says ‘He Was An Exceptional…’ News24 –

British-Indian origin marathon runner, Fauja Singh met a tragic accident in Punjab and passed away at the age of 114 leaving behind a golden legacy that transcends age, culture and borders. At the age of 89, Fauja Singh started running more seriously and in 2000 he made his debut in London Marathon where he finished in 6 hours and 54 minutes. Going further he took part in marathons at New York, Toronto and Mumbai. His most remarkable personal best came at the 2003 Toronto Waterfront Marathon, which he completed in 5 hours and 40 minutes, an astonishing feat for someone in their 90s.

According to a report by BBC Punjabi, a car had hit him on the Jalandar-Pathankot highway on Monday afternoon due to which he suffered serious head injury. He was immediately rushed to the hospital but was declared dead in the evening. After his death, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi expressed his grief and wrote:

Fauja Singh Ji was extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on a very important topic of fitness. He was an exceptional athlete with incredible determination. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers around the world.

Fauja Singh Ji was extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on a very important topic of fitness. He was an exceptional athlete with incredible determination. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 15, 2025

Fauja Singh was given the name of Turbaned Tornado as he represented Sikh culture internationally. In 2011 at the age of 100 years he scripted history at the event organised by the Ontario Masters Association in Toronto, Canada. During the Fauja Singh Invitational Meet, he set eight world records in a single day in the 100+ age category. Fauja Singh’s life story has been documented in a biography titled “Turbaned Tornado” which was authored by Khushwant Singh. The book was published on July 7, 2011. His biopic titled “Fauja” was announced in 2021 and directed by Omung Kumar B.