Wax eloquent

Mona

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As the present-day Milkha Singh posed next to the very young wax statue of Milkha — beads of perspiration on the forehead and sinews in full show wearing India proudly on his chest — it was a moment of celebration!

Madame Tussauds opens its door on December 1 in New Delhi and as our very own Flying Sikh’s wax statue will be seen there amongst celebs from all walks of life, it’s an example that courage, determination and hard work surely pay.

Kudos to strong will

Haath ki lakiron se zindagi nahi banti/ Azam hamara bhi kuch hissa hai zindagi banane main...our living legend opens the talk on Tuesday as his wax statue is unveiled in Chandigarh. Five minutes into his company and its impossible not to feel upbeat about the life, as also its possibilities.

Little did Milkha know when way back in 1958 —post winning the Commonwealth gold, on his friend’s insistence he went to see the statues in London — that one day he would find place amongst the who’s who of the world!

Happy at the honour, when he uses Hindi to address the gathering (that’s what he has done in whichever country he has represented India), it’s hard to miss the flavour of a life lived well.

Work relentlessly

“Life’s all about dreaming and working hard to achieve your aims. If I can get break international records practicing without shoes or Obama can rise to the post of the US president or a chaiwala who doubled up as a kuli become the Prime Minister of India, anything is achievable. It’s not easy though. Modi has won hearts of 130-crore people to enjoy the position he is in. Each one of you can do that; just that sometimes we lose heart and hope.” 

Future course

I insisted with Mr Modi to appoint Olympic medallist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore as the Sports Minister. I am going to impress upon him that coaches on a contractual basis be made responsible to deliver results. Today India has 50,000 coaches but barring Gopi Chand, and a few in the field of wrestling and boxing, are barely getting the results. High time we spot the talent at a young age and groom it.

Rich legacy

Chandigarh has given brilliant sports stars. I am so happy that Kapil Dev is also part of Madame Tussauds, New Delhi; I remember his as a young boy when I was director sports and his contribution to cricket is surely laudable. Our city has given the best golfers, shooters and more; I am hoping the rich legacy is carried forward.

mona@tribunemail.com