The tragic death of Fauja Singh, the world's oldest marathon runner, in a hit-and-run accident has brought renewed attention to his life and views, including his feelings about safety in Punjab and where he wished to spend his final days. Singh, also known as the "Turbaned Tornado," passed away at the age of 114 after being struck by a vehicle near his village in Punjab.
In an exclusive conversation in 2015 with PTI Bhasha at his house in Beas, Fauja Singh expressed concerns about the safety situation in Punjab. "Here (Punjab), there are bad elements everywhere. Police cannot do anything," he stated. He further elaborated, "No one knows when they will stab, rob and hit someone and run away. This is not the case in London. That is why I want to spend my last time there".
Singh's concerns about safety in Punjab stood in contrast to his desire to spend his last days in Britain. He had moved to England in the 1990s. He told PTI Bhasha a decade ago, "I can never accept that I am old. I can walk faster and farther than you. As far as the last moments are concerned, the most suitable place is Britain". He seemed to feel more secure and at peace in London than in his native Punjab.
Ironically, Fauja Singh's last wish was not fulfilled. He remained in his native village. On Monday, July 14, 2025, while taking a walk on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway in his village, he was struck by a speeding vehicle. The driver fled the scene, and Singh later died in the hospital from severe head injuries. Police have arrested Amritpal Dhillon in connection with the hit-and-run. Dhillon told police he was returning from Bhogpur when the accident occurred and that he fled the scene out of fear.
Fauja Singh's death has highlighted the issue of road safety, particularly for pedestrians, in Punjab. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, hit-and-run cases account for 18.1% of total road accident deaths in India, and pedestrians make up a significant percentage of fatalities in both urban and rural areas. Fauja Singh's death is a stark reminder of the dangers pedestrians face on Indian roads.
Fauja Singh's life was one of incredible resilience and inspiration. He took up running at the age of 89 to cope with grief after the deaths of his wife and son. He went on to become the first centenarian to complete a full marathon in 2011. He ran his last race at the age of 101. He was also a torchbearer for the 2012 London Olympics. Even after retiring from racing, Singh expressed his hope that people would remember him.
Fauja Singh's legacy extends beyond his athletic achievements. He inspired people of all ages to pursue their dreams and live a healthy lifestyle. He also used his platform to raise awareness about important social issues. His death is a loss to the world, but his memory will continue to inspire for generations to come.
