Chandigarh: Asian boxing champion Kaur Singh, who played an exhibition match with world legend Muhammad Ali, passed away at a hospital in Kurukshetra, Haryana today. He was 74 years old.
He was earlier undergoing treatment at Patiala as he was suffering from diabetes. As his condition deteriorated last night, he was rushed to a hospital in Kurukshetra where he breathed his last. A few days ago, the Punjab government had announced to print his biography in school books to teach children.
After retiring from the Indian Army, he was living in his native village Khanal Khurd in Sangrur district of Punjab. He won six gold medals in international competitions, including the 1982 Asian Games.
One of his memorable matches was a four-round exhibition match, which he played against boxing legend Muhammad Ali in Delhi on 27 January 1980. He won the gold medal in heavyweight boxing at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi.
Kaur Singh was awarded the Arjuna Award in 1982, Padma Shri in 1983 and Vishisht Seva Medal in 1988.