“Tumhe rukna nahi hai (You can’t stop)”, these phrases of the legendary Milkha Singh nonetheless encourage Indian soccer goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who says that the recommendation of the ‘Flying Sikh’ helped him face challenges throughout his European tenure. helped battle.
Eminent sprinter Milkha handed away because of COVID-19 associated problems in Chandigarh on Friday and tributes poured in from hundreds of countrymen together with sportspersons.
Gurpreet remembers a operate in Chandigarh in 2015 the place Milkha offered him an award.
“He (Milkha) told me ‘there is no substitute for hard work. I used to vomit blood several times after training, but you don’t have to stop,'” Gurpreet stated in an AIFF launch.
“At the time, I used to be taking part in my membership soccer in Norway with FC Stabeck, the place daily was a battle to show myself and break into the beginning lineup. It was an enormous problem and residing overseas, there have been days when my enthusiasm It was troublesome to take care of.
To be capable of share the identical house with you’ll eternally be a second that I’ll carry with me. RIP #MilkhaSingh pic.twitter.com/4YHPdTQnRH
— Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (@GurpreetGK) June 19, 2021
“However, I used to fall again on these phrases stated to me by ‘The Flying Sikh’ himself, they have been an excellent motivator and impressed me to offer my all daily.
“The words he spoke to me are still with me and will continue to be a great source of inspiration. His words and blessings will always be with me whenever I am fighting for my country on the football pitch,” stated the 29-year-old from India. Said the primary goalkeeper, who has additionally captained the nationwide group.
In 2014, Gurpreet turned the primary Indian footballer to play for a high division membership in Europe when he switched to FC Stabeck of Norway.
He remained with FC Stabaek until 2017. In 2016, he turned the primary Indian participant to play within the Europa League, the second tier membership competitors of European soccer.
Paying tribute to Milkha, whose most well-known feat was to complete fourth within the 1960 Rome Olympics, Gurpreet stated, “The legends and his legacy live on forever.”
“Milkha Singh-ji and his life story have influenced billions of people in India and around the world, and even though he is no longer with us, he will continue to inspire generations to come.”
He stated that there could be many extra athletes throughout the nation whose lives have been influenced by the good Milkha and hoped that they might be capable of take themselves to the subsequent stage by means of his blessings and knowledge.
“We all grew up studying about him and his successes, and sharing the stage with him in individual is a reminiscence that I’ll at all times maintain near my coronary heart.
“He is considered one of India’s best gamers of all time. His achievements on the observe are second to none and even in his eighties, he was religiously devoted in direction of health and at all times inspired others to do the identical. “
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
