The correct answer is D. Milkha Singh.
Milkha Singh was an Indian track and field sprinter who competed in the 1956, 1960, and 1964 Summer Olympics. He is widely regarded as India’s greatest athlete of all time.
Singh was born in Gobindpura, Punjab, British India, on November 20, 1929. He was the youngest of four children. His father, Ram Singh, was a farmer, and his mother, Tehri Kaur, was a housewife.
Singh’s childhood was marked by tragedy. When he was just eight years old, his father was killed in a train accident. His mother then had to raise the four children on her own.
Despite the hardships, Singh excelled in school. He was a good student and was also a talented athlete. He began running at a young age and quickly showed promise.
In 1947, India gained independence from British rule. The partition of India led to widespread violence and displacement. Singh’s family was forced to flee their home and move to a refugee camp.
The violence and displacement of partition had a profound impact on Singh. He became determined to make a better life for himself and his family. He focused on his studies and his running.
In 1951, Singh won the 440-yard race at the National Games. This victory earned him a place on the Indian national team.
Singh made his international debut at the 1954 Asian Games in Manila, Philippines. He won the gold medal in the 400-meter race.
Singh’s performance at the Asian Games made him a national hero. He was nicknamed the “Flying Sikh” for his speed and agility.
Singh went on to compete in the 1956, 1960, and 1964 Summer Olympics. He was the first Indian athlete to reach the final of the 400-meter race at the Olympics.
Singh retired from athletics in 1966. He then worked as a coach and administrator. He also founded the Milkha Singh Foundation, which provides scholarships to underprivileged children.
Singh was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 1959. He was also awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 1982.
Singh died on June 18, 2021, at the age of 91. He was a national icon and a true legend of Indian sport.