Boxing Legend Kaur Singh Passes Away at 74

Renowned Asian boxing champion, Kaur Singh, who gained global recognition for his exhibition match with the legendary Muhammad Ali, breathed his last at the age of 74 in a hospital located in Haryana’s Kurukshetra. He had been battling multiple health issues and was undergoing treatment before his demise.

Illustrious Career and Achievements

Retiring from the Indian Army, Kaur Singh resided in his hometown Khanal Khurd in Punjab’s Sangrur district. Throughout his career, he secured six gold medals in various international competitions, notably including the 1982 Asian Games. However, his most memorable moment came in January 1980 when he faced Muhammad Ali in a four-round exhibition match held in Delhi.

Kaur Singh’s prowess in the boxing ring was exemplified by his gold medal triumph in the heavyweight category at the 1982 Asian Games, held in New Delhi. His remarkable achievements earned him widespread acclaim and recognition, leading to his inclusion in the Punjab government’s initiative to incorporate the life stories of sporting legends into school curriculums.

Legacy and Recognition

Among the four sporting icons chosen for this initiative, alongside Kaur Singh, are the illustrious three-time hockey Olympian Balbir Singh Sr., the legendary athlete Milkha Singh, and India’s first Arjuna Awardee and Olympian athlete Gurbachan Singh Randhawa. Their extraordinary contributions to the world of sports have been immortalized in the textbooks of physical education for students in Class 9 and 10.

In the wake of Kaur Singh’s demise, Finance Minister Harpal Cheema expressed profound sorrow, acknowledging the significant loss to the nation. He assured all necessary arrangements for bringing Kaur Singh’s mortal remains to his native village, offering unwavering support to the grieving family.

Honors and Accolades

In recognition of his exceptional sporting career, Kaur Singh was honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1982 and Padma Shri in 1983. Additionally, he was bestowed with the Vishisht Seva Medal in 1988, further solidifying his legacy as one of India’s finest boxing talents.