From the title, most readers would get the film being referred to here. After all, the 2013 film "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" in which the rise to stardom of Milkha Singh was depicted was a phenomenal hit at the box office and grossed approximately 1.64 billion Indian rupees. The Indian nation commemorated their national hero in this movie even at the expense of reality. (Milkha Singh didn't break the record of the 400 meter race in 1960. That record was held by Lou Jones. Lou Jones completed the 400 meter race in 45.2 seconds whereas Singh cloaked in at 45.8 seconds.)
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| Abdul Khaliq (Middle) in West Germany in 1987 |
Across the border in Pakistan, nothing has been said about Abdul Khaliq, the sworn rival of Milkha Singh, the representative of Pakistan, the man known as the "Flying Bird of Asia" for his physical prowess in the track field. Abdul Khaliq whose achievements include 36 gold, 15 sliver and 12 bronze medals was born in 1933 in Jand, Chakwal, Pakistan. His foray into the world of track and racing began when he was recruited by the army for his innate athletic skills and ability. From leaving his opponents in the dust at the national level, Abdul Khaliq soon began outperforming his opponents at the international level. His achievements gave him international recognition and even the Indian Prime Minister of the time, Jawaharlal Nehru acknowledged Khaliq's ability and gave him the title of the Flying bird of Asia.
History has a cruel way of forgetting heroes. Although Abdul Khaliq was celebrated as an incredible athlete in his heyday, his legacy was soon forgotten. Pakistan is a country filled with individuals who carried out Herculean level feats and accomplishments and whose stories need to be told. Abdul Khaliq, the fastest man of Asia, was one such accomplished individual.
