Kaur Singh, only Indian boxer who fought against Muhammad Ali, dies aged 74

PTC WEB DESK:  Asian Games gold medallist Indian boxer Kaur Singh, who once fought the legendary Muhammad Ali died aged 74 on Wednesday at a Kurukshetra hospital in Haryana. He had been undergoing treatment for multiple health problems.

After retiring from the Army, Kaur Singh had been staying at his native village Khanal Khurd in Punjab's Sangrur district. He died at Kurukshetra hospital.

Notably, Kaur Singh had fought an exhibition match with boxing legend Muhammad Ali in 1980 at National Stadium in Delhi.

After joining the Army in 1971, Kaur Singh switched to boxing in 1977. He won gold medals in national boxing championships from 1979 to 1983. 

Kaur Singh had banned six gold medals in international competitions, including Asian Games. 

He was the only Indian boxer to have fought against Muhammad Ali in an exhibition bout in 1980. In Los Angeles Olympics, he had won two bouts, but lost the third

Though he retired as Subedar from the Army, Kaur Singh was later appointed Assistant Sub-Inspector in the Punjab Police.

His awards included Arjuna Award (1982), Padma Shri (1983) and Vishisht Seva Medal (1988).

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of former Olympian and veteran Boxer Kaur Singh. 

In a condolence message, the Punjab Chief Minister said Kaur Singh made India proud by earning name and fame in the national as well as international arena of Boxing. He said from village Khanaal Khurd in Sangrur, Kaur Singh shined like in star in world of boxing and won gold medal in Asian Games.