When you conquer death, you return mentally stronger
LEGEND WRITES ‘Flying Sikh’ tells his younger self if you stay true to yourself and train sincerely, nobody can stop you
Dear 16-year-old Milkha,
You are lucky to be alive. In the past one year, you have seen bloodbath during Partition, the birth of two nations, murder of your parents, and you landed up in Delhi as a refugee. You are lucky to find your sister. You have endured enough, but your hardships are not over. Later on, you will realise something that doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.
It will be four years before you discover running. The quest for survival will take you to the world of sports. As a teenager, you may not have an idea about running as a sports event. As an orphan, it will not only be about learning how to survive the brutal world, but also about carving an identity.
In the next couple of years you will have to do odd jobs, from polishing shoes to working in a rubber factory. These obstacles are nothing compared to what you saw during Partition. The urge to survive and have three meals a day will take you to the Army. You will be rejected twice before your elder brother helps you get recruited in 1952.
You may lose your first 400m race, but don’t get disheartened with early defeats. As long as you remain true to yourself and continue training with sincerity, nobody can stop you.
You are going to represent India one day. It will give you huge satisfaction and pride. But with that comes a responsibility — carrying the hopes of millions and the nation’s prestige.
You may perform poorly in your first Olympics in Melbourne (1956), but that should not dishearten you. We lack proper training. But always remain curious about how the world’s best train and push to be one of them.
In Melbourne, you will meet a famous 400m runner, who will explain a great training programme. Don’t worry about your limitation with the English language. He will be kind and explain it in sign language. An American coach, the physical instructor at Christian College, Lucknow, will also play a crucial role in helping you win India’s first athletics gold in the Commonwealth Games, at Cardiff in 1958. Always keep an open mind and you will benefit from such great advice.
Let me also tell you that you will lose the race of your life and miss a medal in the 400m race at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Even after six decades it will haunt you. But never lose focus. If your passion for running is intact, I am sure you, the young Milkha will achieve what this Milkha could not — an Olympic medal. Lots of love, Milkha Singh