By: Surjit Singh Flora
(Samajweekly) Fauja Singh, recognized as the oldest distance runner globally, tragically passed away in a road accident in India at the age of 114. Singh, an Indian-born British national known as the “Turbaned Tornado,” tragically lost his life on Monday after being struck by a vehicle in the Jalandhar district of Punjab state. He was a legend. He was a matter of pride for the Sikh world.
His contributions to the Sikh community throughout the globe have been quite significant. It is certain that his life will serve as a model and a wellspring of motivation for the approaching generation. One thing that should be taken away from Fauja Singh’s healthy life is that age cannot become a barrier in the road of any success, given that a person’s resolve is strong, the goal is established, and the effort is done with sincerity. We should learn this lesson from his healthy life.
Even after facing many setbacks in life, he achieves such fame. In 1992, his wife, Gian Kaur, passed away. Not only that, in 1994, his son Kuldeep Singh and a daughter also passed away, but Fauja Singh did not give up on life. He remained resilient.
Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathoner, chose to hang up his boots and retire from competitive running at the age of 102.
He regarded these setbacks as an intellectual challenge and adeptly realigned his life. Observe the remarkable fortitude and resilience he exhibits; despite enduring three setbacks, at the age of 81, he embarked on an interest in marathon running, transforming his sorrow into a profound sense of patience and fulfillment. To achieve this objective, Fauja Singh commenced his training under the guidance of Harminder Singh in London. This further elucidates that attaining any objective necessitates the acquisition of fundamental education.
Fauja Singh took up marathon running seriously at the age of 89 and started participating in international competitions. In the year 2000, he ran and completed his first marathon at the age of 90. He could easily run 20 kilometres.
Similarly, at the age of 93, he completed a marathon in 6 hours and 54 minutes, which was 58 minutes faster than the world’s best record for the over-90s.
This brave Sikh gained more fame in 2011 when he completed the ‘London Marathon ‘in the 100-year-old age group and set a record in the centenarian age group. In October 2011, at the age of 100, he set 8 world age group records in the 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, 3000, and 5000 meter events at the special ‘Ontario Masters Association Fauja Singh International Meet’ held at Birchmount Stadium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Fauja Singh ran 100 meters in 23.4 seconds, 200 meters in 52.23 seconds, 400 meters in 2 minutes and 13.48 seconds, 800 meters in 5 minutes and 32.18 seconds, 1500 meters in 11 minutes and 27.47 seconds, 3000 meters in 24 minutes and 52.47 seconds, and 5000 meters in 49 minutes and 57.39 seconds. Fauja Singh first appeared in an advertising campaign for software manufacturer Adidas in 2004 alongside David Beckham and Muhammad Ali. Similarly, in October 2011, he became the oldest man to appear at the age of 100. He retired from running after participating in the Hong Kong Marathon on February 20, 2013. In 2012, Fauja Singh attended the Second Annual Chardikla Run Malaysia as a special guest. Fauja Singh also participated in programs organized to collect donations for social welfare works. Fauja Singh continued to run until April 2023, encouraging marathon runners during the events.
His English-language biography, “Turbaned Tornado,” was written by Khushwant Singh, a resident of Chandigarh, and released in England by Sir Mota Singh on July 7, 2011. Fauja Singh has received many honours and recognitions from all over the world.
On 13 November 2003, he was awarded the ‘Ellis Island Medal’ by the National Ethnic Coalition, a group in America, as the ‘Symbol of Racial Tolerance.’ An American organization gave him the ‘Pride of India Award’ in 2011. Similarly, he was awarded the ‘British Empire Award 2015’ for participating in a marathon for charity. Fauja Singh is proud that he led the participating teams carrying the Olympic torch in July 2012.
The Guinness Book of Records did not acknowledge Fauja Singh’s accomplishments due to his inability to present his birth certificate, as he himself stated. Notwithstanding this, Fauja Singh’s recognition as a marathon runner on the global stage is firmly established. The young individuals of Punjab ought not to succumb to despair over the lack of employment opportunities; rather, they should endeavour to achieve success in various entrepreneurial ventures, drawing inspiration from the exemplary figure of Fauja Singh.
If a 90-year-old man can acquire new skills and establish a reputation in the world, then no challenge in business should be insurmountable for the younger generation. Fauja Singh was born on April 1, 1911, in the village of Beas, located in the Jalandhar district. Fauja Singh was the youngest among his four siblings. During his childhood, he exhibited considerable frailty and a slender physique.
He was unable to walk until he reached the age of five. Because of his frail physique, he was referred to by the nickname Danda (Stick) until he turned 10. The young people of the village often mocked him, but eventually, he achieved excellent health. In his youth, he exhibited a strong passion for sports. Following the dissolution of his marriage, he began to embrace a more minimalist lifestyle.
Fauja Singh and his wife moved to England in 1981 to be with their son. He was the father of five children. Subsequently, he acquired British citizenship. Fauja Singh stood at a height of five feet 8 inches, with a weight of merely 52 kg. He maintained a vegetarian lifestyle throughout his entire life. He consumed a diet consisting primarily of basic foods, including green vegetables and pulses. He preferred to eat milk and curd, yet he completely avoided fried foods.
Even at the astounding age of 114, he had perfect health and a keen mind. He had maintained an extraordinarily busy lifestyle throughout his whole life. People would avidly compete for the chance to take photos with him wherever he went, regardless of the nation he was in. Fauja Singh’s life serves as a powerful example of the characteristics of resiliency and determination. It is possible to learn from Fauja Singh’s experiences how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and convey a sense of joy in one’s daily life.
All of his life, he had devoted himself to the world of sports. By establishing several records in the sport of marathon running, he popularized Sikhism. To combat the issue of drug addiction, Fauja Singh took part in the trip that was planned by the Governor of Punjab. Unfortunately, this kind-hearted individual lost tragically on July 14, 2025, as a result of an accident that occurred on the road. Throughout the remainder of his life, Fauja Singh will continue to serve as a source of motivation for younger generations.
