The 'Turbaned Tornado' is no more: World's oldest marathoner Fauja Singh dies aged 114 in road accident

Mumbai (Web Desk): Fauja Singh, India's marathon icon and the world’s oldest known athlete, tragically passed away at the age of 114 in a road accident.

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon in the outskirts of Jalandhar, near Beas, when Singh was attempting to cross a road and was struck by an unidentified vehicle.

The driver fled the scene, leaving behind a shocked community and a legacy forever etched in the annals of sports history.

Singh was immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital, but despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries later that night. Local police have filed a case against the unknown driver and have launched an investigation into the hit-and-run.

Born in 1911, Fauja Singh began his career as a long-distance runner at an age when most people settle into retirement. At 89, he laced up his running shoes and entered the competitive world of marathons—a feat that turned global heads and reshaped the narrative around aging and physical capability.

He rose to international prominence in 2000 after setting a world record in the London Marathon, completing the race in a remarkable time that stunned both athletes and spectators alike.

Even more astonishing was his achievement in 2011, when at the age of 100, Singh completed a full marathon in seven hours and forty-nine minutes. This milestone made him a symbol of endurance, discipline, and the indomitable human spirit. He became known as the "Turbaned Tornado," a nickname that celebrated both his cultural roots and his dynamic presence in the world of athletics.

His fame extended beyond the track. In 2012, Fauja Singh had the honor of being one of the torchbearers for the London Olympics—a moment of pride for India and the global Sikh community.

Throughout his life, he became a source of inspiration not only for the elderly but also for younger generations, proving time and again that age is no barrier to ambition, fitness, or achieving greatness.

Singh lived by simplicity, humility, and an unwavering belief in the power of will. His disciplined lifestyle, vegetarian diet, and daily running regimen became subjects of admiration and study. Off the track, he participated in numerous charitable causes and used his fame to support health, fitness, and elder rights.

Fauja Singh’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary journey—one that defied convention, challenged assumptions, and inspired millions.

He didn’t just run marathons; he ran against time, age, and limitation, always winning in spirit.

Fauja Singh's legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who saw in him not just a runner, but a living testament to what human potential can truly achieve.