Milkha may miss QBR’s arrival function in Chandigarh

The Queen’s Baton Relay for the Commonwealth Games will arrive in the city next month but legendary runner, “Flying Sikh” Milkha Singh may give the ceremony a miss.

The 81-year-old Milkha is off to the United States for a month along with wife to see their golfer-son Jeev in action there and he is yet to decide whether to fly back to attend the ceremony.

“I am leaving for New York tonight. I would love to be back in Chandigarh when the CWG baton reaches here, but at this moment I cannot say that for sure,” Milkha told reporters.

Milkha had won the 400m gold with a timing of 47.6 second in the 1958 Cardiff Commonwealth Games.

Chandigarh is gearing up to welcome various national and international sportspersons as well as spectators and tourists from different places when the baton arrives here on July 3.

“Earlier, I had said yes to Chandigarh administration when they asked me if I was going to be available on July 3. Now, once I reach the United States, I will take a call and hope that I am able to be here for the event,” Milkha said.

The Commonwealth Games will be held from October 3-14 in Delhi.

Milkha also hoped that the Indian athletes will capitalise on the home support and come out with flying colours in the forthcoming quadrennial event.

“Just have the will power and you can do it. We are the host nation and it is the question of our honour and I am sure our sportspersons will keep our flag flying high,” he said.