Welcome to theustales.com.
After a terrible accident in Punjab, British-Indian marathon runner Fauja Singh passed away at the age of 114. Nicknamed the “Turbaned Tornado,” he inspired people worldwide with his unstoppable spirit. He was hit by a car on Monday in Beas Pind, his hometown close to Jalandhar. Because of his severe head injuries, doctors were unable to save him. His life, full of courage and kindness, continues to light the way for many.
Growing Up in Punjab
Born on April 1, 1911, Fauja Singh grew up in Beas Pind, Punjab. As the youngest of four kids, he worked on his family’s farm. His legs were weak, and he didn’t walk until age five. Kids teased him, but Fauja grew stronger. Later, he faced tough times during World Wars and India’s Partition. Still, his early struggles shaped his incredible strength.
You may Also Like:
Facing Heartbreaking Losses
Life tested Fauja with deep sorrow. In the 1990s, his wife, Gian Kaur, passed away. Then, in 1994, tragedy hit harder. A storm blew a metal sheet that killed his son Kuldip before his eyes. Heartbroken, Fauja moved to London to live with his son Sukhjinder. Running became his way to cope with grief. It gave him a new purpose.
Finding Joy in Running
In London, Fauja discovered running at 89. At a nearby gurdwara, he met coach Harmander Singh. Harmander encouraged him to try marathons. In 2000, Fauja ran the London Marathon, finishing in 6 hours, 54 minutes. He was 58 minutes younger than the previous senior age record. For Fauja, running for BLISS, a charity for premature babies, felt special. His slogan was, “Oldest running for the youngest!”
Smashing Records with Pride
Fauja’s running journey amazed everyone. He ran nine marathons from 2000 to 2013 in London, New York, Toronto, and Mumbai. In 2003, he finished the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 5 hours, 40 minutes. At 100, he completed the 2011 Toronto Marathon, a first for someone his age. Sadly, Guinness World Records didn’t count it, as he lacked a 1911 birth certificate. His British passport and a letter from Queen Elizabeth II confirmed his age, but rules were strict.
In 2011, Fauja set eight world records in one day at the Fauja Singh Invitational Meet in Toronto. During the 2000 London Marathon, he insisted on donning his turban, further solidifying his Sikh identity. Organizers agreed, and Fauja felt proud. His nickname, “Turbaned Tornado,” captured his speed and spirit.
Shining as a Global Star
Fauja’s fame spread far and wide. He appeared with David Beckham and Muhammad Ali in Adidas’ “Impossible is Nothing” campaign in 2004. In 2005, Pakistan’s prime minister invited him to the Lahore Marathon. The next year, Queen Elizabeth II welcomed him to Buckingham Palace. In his Punjabi house, a picture of him with the Queen was hung with pride. Fauja gave most of his earnings to charities, showing his big heart.
In 2012, he carried the Olympic torch in London, a moment of pride. His last race was a 10km run in Hong Kong in 2013. He finished it in 1 hour, 32 minutes, 28 seconds. Even after retiring, Fauja hoped people would remember him.
Living Simply, Staying Strong
Fauja lived a simple life. “Eat less, run more, stay happy,” he shared in a June 2025 BBC Punjabi interview. At 114, he walked miles daily in Beas Pind to stay fit. The gurdwara in London helped with his healthy diet. Fauja’s discipline inspired many. He split his time between India and the UK, eager to see his family and coach.
Tributes from Around the World
After his passing, leaders and fans honored Fauja. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his determination and fitness message. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress President, called him a symbol of resilience. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria remembered Fauja’s energy during a 2024 march. Former Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh said his spirit would live on. British MPs Preet Kaur Gill and Jas Athwal shared heartfelt posts on X.
Fauja’s running club, Sikhs In The City, plans to celebrate him. They’ll dedicate events until March 29, 2026, to his legacy. There are also plans to build a Fauja Singh Clubhouse in Ilford. Harmander Singh referred to his defeat as a setback for runners worldwide.
A Legacy That Runs Forever
Fauja Singh’s life shows anything is possible. From a frail child to a global hero, he broke barriers with every step. His story lives on in the 2011 biography Turbaned Tornado by Khushwant Singh. A biopic, Fauja, was announced in 2021. Fauja will continue to inspire us all with her message of joy, kindness, and fitness.