Jalandhar, India – July 15, 2025:
Fauja Singh, the Indian-born British marathon legend known globally as the “Turbaned Tornado,” has died at the age of 114 after being struck by an unidentified vehicle in a tragic hit-and-run incident in Punjab, India. The accident occurred on Monday afternoon as Singh was crossing a road near his native village Beas in the Jalandhar district.
His biographer, Khushwant Singh, confirmed the news on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“My Turbaned Tornado is no more. He was struck by an unidentified vehicle… in his village, Bias, while crossing the road. Rest in peace, my dear Fauja.”
Singh was taken to a private hospital in Jalandhar but succumbed to his injuries later that evening. Police have filed an FIR against the unknown driver, though no arrests have been made as of Tuesday morning.
🏃♂️ An Extraordinary Life of Endurance
Born on April 1, 1911, under British colonial rule—when birth certificates were uncommon—Singh’s age could never be officially verified, which kept him out of the Guinness World Records. But that never diminished the awe he inspired.
He emigrated to East London in the 1990s after losing his wife, Gian Kaur, and son, Kuldeep Singh. At age 89, he took up long-distance running to cope with grief, inspired by watching marathons on television.
In the years that followed, Singh stunned the world by completing eight full marathons, including the London Marathon and Toronto Waterfront Marathon. At 100 years old, he completed his final full marathon in 2011. His last competitive race was a 10km run in the 2013 Hong Kong Marathon, finishing in 1 hour, 32 minutes and 28 seconds.
🎖️ Global Recognition and Cultural Impact
Though unofficial in the eyes of record-keepers, Singh was celebrated globally as the world’s oldest long-distance runner. His journey from rural Punjab to Olympic torchbearer symbolized resilience, dignity, and the triumph of spirit over age.
He carried the Olympic torch at both the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Games, appeared in advertisements alongside icons like David Beckham and Muhammad Ali, and became the subject of books and documentaries. His nickname, “The Turbaned Tornado,” captured both his Sikh heritage and unstoppable energy.
Singh’s routine included daily farm walks, a vegetarian diet rich in home-churned curd, dry fruits, and his favorite Indian sweet, laddu. His story has inspired millions worldwide to prioritize health, fitness, and mental strength well into old age.
🇮🇳 India and the World Pay Tribute
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Singh, writing on X:
“Fauja Singh was extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on a very important topic of fitness. He was an exceptional athlete with incredible determination. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers around the world.”
Canadian politician Jagmeet Singh echoed the sentiment, writing:
“The embodiment of Chardi Kala – rising spirits. Fauja Singh inspired the world.”
🕯️ A Legacy of Hope and Human Potential
Fauja Singh’s story is not only about records or races—it’s about the endurance of the human spirit. At a time when aging is often seen as a limitation, Singh flipped the script. He became a symbol of possibility, of perseverance, and of pride in both heritage and health.
His passing leaves behind a legacy that transcends sport. It touches on what it means to live fully, age gracefully, and inspire others to rise above adversity—one step at a time.
