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Fauja Singh was an iconic runner who earned the title of the world’s oldest marathoner. He was hit by a vehicle on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway on Monday.
Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathoner, died at the age of 114. (Image: X)
Fauja Singh, the iconic Marathon runner from Punjab’s Jalandhar, died at the age of 114, after he was hit by an unidentified vehicle while he was out for a walk on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway on Monday afternoon.
His demise was confirmed by author Khushwant Singh, who spoke to Fauja Singh’s family members. Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria, said he was “deeply saddened” by the passing away of Fauja Singh.
“My Turbaned Tornado is no more. It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my most revered S. Fauja Singh. He was struck by an unidentified vehicle around 3:30 pm today in his village, Bias, while crossing the road. Rest in peace, my dear Fauja,” Khushwant posted on X.
My Turbaned Tornado is no more. It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my most revered S. Fauja Singh. He was struck by an unidentified vehicle around 3:30 PM today in his village, Bias, while crossing the road. Rest in peace, my dear Fauja . pic.twitter.com/LMFh7TNE8B— Khushwant Singh (@Singhkhushwant) July 14, 2025
Condolences poured in from politicians on the demise of Fauja Singh. Kataria wrote, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji, the legendary marathon runner and symbol of resilience. At 114, he joined me in the ‘Nasha Mukt – Rangla Punjab’ march with unmatched spirit. His legacy will continue to inspire a drug-free Punjab.”
Deeply saddened by the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji, the legendary marathon runner and symbol of resilience. At 114, he joined me in the ‘Nasha Mukt – Rangla Punjab’ march with unmatched spirit.His legacy will continue to inspire a drug-free Punjab.Om Shanti Om. pic.twitter.com/S6238AkDYu— Gulab Chand Kataria (@Gulab_kataria) July 14, 2025
“Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Fauja Singh Ji, the legendary marathon runner, at the age of 114 in a tragic road accident. His extraordinary life and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire generations. May his soul rest in peace,” said former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh.
Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Fauja Singh Ji, the legendary marathon runner, at the age of 114 in a tragic road accident.His extraordinary life and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire generations.
May his soul rest in peace. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/gulNmbfYkO
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) July 14, 2025
Fauja Singh was born on April 1, 1911. After the death of his wife and son Kuldip, he took to running and ran his first race at the age of 89, the London Marathon, in 2000. He competed in nine 26-mile (46 km) marathons in London, New York and Toronto.
He was also a torchbearer for the 2004 Athens games and 2012 London Olympics, and has appeared in an advertisement for a major sports brand alongside sporting legends Muhammad Ali and David Beckham.
Fauja Singh emigrated to England in the 1990s. At the age of 93, he completed a marathon in 6 hours and 54 minutes, 58 minutes, breaking the world record for his age group. At the age of 100, Singh attempted and accomplished eight world age group records in one day at a special athletic event in Canada.
His biography, titled Turbaned Tornado, was formally released in the Attlee Room of Britain’s House of Lords on July 7, 2011, written by Khushwant Singh.
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More
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Jalandhar, India, India
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