Kaur Singh, India’s iconic heavyweight champion boxer, passed away at the age of 75 in a hospital in Haryana on April 28, 2023. Hailing from Punjab, Singh was a true pioneer in Indian boxing and a national treasure whose legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
Born in 1948, Kaur Singh rose to prominence in the world of boxing during the 1980s. He represented India in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and claimed three gold medals throughout his illustrious career – at the Senior National Boxing Championship, the Asian Boxing Championship, and the Asian Games. His unyielding spirit and dedication to his craft made him a role model for countless aspiring athletes in India.
One of the most memorable moments in Singh’s career was his exhibition match against the legendary Muhammad Ali on January 27, 1980, at Delhi’s National Stadium. The four-round bout showcased Singh’s extraordinary skill and determination, as he recalled in an interview, “His punches had great power. I clearly remember that jab, his famous jab. It seemed to come out of nowhere. He used his right hand to block my punches, and his counterpunch to hit me. His speed was amazing; not once during those four rounds did the speed drop. He was shorter than me but his ring craft and movement took him out of my reach.”
Singh’s life and achievements were immortalized in the 2022 biopic “Padma Shri Kaur Singh,” with Prabh Grewal and Karamjit Singh Batth in the lead roles. The film honored his contributions to Indian sports and his journey from humble beginnings to national and international acclaim.As the Indian boxing community and fans across the world mourn the loss of Kaur Singh, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes. His unwavering commitment, sportsmanship, and remarkable skill have left an indelible mark on the history of Indian sports, and his name will forever be synonymous with boxing greatness.
