5 Indian soldiers who have made a name for themselves at the Olympics

5) Naib Subedar Milkha Singh [Retired]

Naib Subedar Milkha Singh [Retired] - The trendsetter of Indian athletics

Born to a simple family in Gobindpura between 1929 and 1935 [the exact year is disputed], Milkha didn't have many dreams for himself. However, his life took a turn for the worse with India gaining freedom.

His village came on the wrong side of the border, and he lost his parents in the carnage that followed the Partition. Milkha was only twelve when he somehow saved himself and hopped onto the train bound from Multan to Delhi.

Milkha's troubles were far from over. However, he never gave up. He joined the Indian Army after three failed attempts. Once recruited in 1954, he never looked back. Milkha quickly rose in rank and talent to represent India at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956. He failed, but learnt a lot from experience.

In four years, Naib Subedar Milkha Singh transformed into a formidable athlete. He was one of the world's best by then. Gold medalist at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games, Milkha also broke the then Olympic record of 45.8 seconds in a practice meet in France.

He was all set to create history when a split second decision to slow down in the finals cost him dear. Milkha was almost leading at one point when his decision to slow down pushed him to fourth. He missed a historic Olympic medal by one tenth of a second, something he regretted till the last moment of his life.

However, the legacy he created is something no one can deny or destroy even today. He isn't called the 'Flying Sikh' just like that.