Makhan Singh, the Olympian who defeated Milkha Singh but lived a life of penury.

Welcome to the Monday edition of Pitch & Precedent, where we dive into the world of sports and shine a spotlight on the personalities that make it so captivating. Every Monday, we'll take a deep dive into the lives of some of the most notable athletes, coaches, and other figures in the sports world, exploring their backgrounds, their achievements, and their impact on their respective sports.

Makhan Singh Bhuller

Makhan Singh is an Indian athlete who is often regarded as a forgotten hero of Indian sports. He was a triple gold medalist at the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran, where he won in the 200m, 400m, and 4x400m relay events. Makhan Singh also represented India at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City and set a national record in the 200m sprint. Despite his outstanding achievements, he struggled financially after his retirement and did not receive the recognition and support he deserved. However, in recent years, efforts have been made to acknowledge his contribution to Indian sports, and he was awarded the Arjuna Award posthumously in 2019.

Defeating Milkha Singh

Yes, Makhan Singh is also known for defeating the legendary Indian athlete Milkha Singh in the 400-meter race at the 1958 National Games in Cuttack, Odisha. This was a significant achievement, as Milkha Singh was considered unbeatable in the 400-meter event at the time. Makhan Singh's victory over Milkha Singh was a testament to his incredible talent and hard work, and it cemented his status as one of India's greatest athletes. The rivalry between Makhan Singh and Milkha Singh is still remembered today as one of the greatest in Indian sports history, and their achievements continue to inspire and motivate young athletes in India.

Early life

Makhan Singh was born on January 15, 1939, in the village of Lopoke in Amritsar, Punjab. He was a talented athlete from a young age and started training seriously in his teens. He began his career as a sprinter and soon established himself as one of the top athletes in India. In addition to his triple gold medal haul at the 1974 Asian Games, he also won a silver medal in the 400m event at the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok.

Makhan Singh's greatest moment came at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, where he set a national record in the 200m sprint. He finished fifth in his heat and did not advance to the next round, but his achievement was significant for Indian athletics. He was the first Indian athlete to break the 21-second barrier in the 200m, and his national record stood for over a decade.

After retiring from athletics, Makhan Singh worked as a coach and helped to train many young athletes in Punjab. However, he struggled financially and did not receive the recognition and support he deserved from the government and sports authorities. He passed away on May 4, 2010, at the age of 71.

In recent years, there have been efforts to recognize Makhan Singh's contribution to Indian sports. In addition to the posthumous Arjuna Award, a statue of him was installed in his hometown of Lopoke, and a road was named after him in Amritsar. His legacy as a pioneer of Indian athletics continues to inspire young athletes today.

Career Achievements

Makhan Singh was a legendary Indian athlete, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes that India has ever produced. His journey toward becoming a world-class athlete started in the early 1950s. Here are some of Makhan Singh's notable achievements:

1. Asian Games Gold Medal: Makhan Singh won a gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles event at the 1958 Asian Games, which was held in Tokyo, Japan. He set a new Asian Games record with a time of 52.7 seconds, which was a remarkable achievement at the time.
2. National Record: Makhan Singh set a national record in the 400-meter hurdles event in 1958, with a time of 52.5 seconds. This record stood for more than a decade before it was broken.
3. Commonwealth Games Medal: Makhan Singh won a silver medal in the 400-meter hurdles event at the 1958 Commonwealth Games, which was held in Cardiff, Wales. He finished just behind the gold medalist, and his performance was widely praised.
4. Multiple National Championships: Makhan Singh won the Indian National Championships in the 110-meter hurdles and 400-meter hurdles events multiple times during his career. He was also a part of the Indian team that won the 4x100-meter relay event at the National Championships.

Makhan Singh was a true Indian sporting hero, whose achievements and legacy continue to inspire generations of athletes. He was not just a great athlete, but also a symbol of perseverance, hard work, and determination, and his remarkable achievements helped put Indian athletics on the map.

He was a trailblazer in Indian athletics and inspired generations of Indian athletes to follow in his footsteps. He passed away in 2002, but his legacy continues to live on, and he remains a source of inspiration for many athletes in India and around the world.

His story is just one of many in the rich and diverse history of Indian sports, and it serves as a reminder of the incredible talent and potential that exists within the Indian sporting community. From cricket to hockey, athletics to wrestling, India has produced some of the greatest sporting heroes the world has ever seen, and their stories deserve to be celebrated and remembered. Let us continue to be inspired by these heroes and work towards creating a brighter future for Indian sports.