Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathoner and an enduring icon of resilience and healthy living, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the age of 114 following a tragic road accident in Punjab’s Jalandhar district. The accident occurred on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway near his ancestral village Beas, when a car struck him in the afternoon. He suffered a serious head injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital. However, despite medical efforts, he was declared dead at 7:30 p.m. IST.
His body has been placed in a mortuary and will remain there until the arrival of his children, who currently live abroad. His last rites will be conducted after they return.
Fauja Singh, often referred to as the ‘Turbaned Tornado’ and ‘Sikh Superman,’ was born on April 1, 1911, in Beyas village, Jalandhar. He gained global recognition for redefining the boundaries of age and physical ability. At 89, following the tragic loss of his wife and son Kuldip, he began running marathons seriously, making his debut in the London Marathon in 2000. Over the next decade, Singh competed in nine full marathons, including events in Toronto and New York, clocking his personal best in Toronto at 5 hours, 40 minutes, and 4 seconds.
He was also chosen as a torchbearer for the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2012 London Games. In one of his many moments of fame, Singh appeared in a global sportswear campaign alongside legends like David Beckham and Muhammad Ali.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary marathon runner, calling Singh “an inspiration to generations.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi 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.”
