Chandigarh:
Legendary athlete Milkha Singh's wife Nirmal Kaur and their US-based daughter have joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), but the 'Flying Sikh' himself wants to stay away from politics.
Nirmal Kaur, also a yesteryears sportsperson, and her daughter Mona Singh have filled the membership form of Arvind Kejriwal's party and Milka Singh says he respects their decision.
"Yes, they joined the AAP. They filled the form yesterday. Both have said that they were impressed with the aims and objectives of the party and with (Delhi Chief Minister) Arvind Kejriwal's work," Milkha told PTI in Chandigarh today.
When asked if he too was contemplating joining AAP or any other party, Milkha, who represented the country in three Olympics and won four gold medals in the Asian Games in 1958 and 1962, said if he had wanted, he could have entered politics long back when Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi were the prime minister.
"I could have joined politics during Nehru's or Indira Gandhi's time. I don't want to (enter politics). I stay away from these things," he said.
On the decision by his wife and daughter, he said both were mature and even his daughter was nearing 50 years and takes her own decisions.
"I can't stop them," he added.
Singh's daughter is a doctor based in the United States, but regularly visits India to meet the family in Chandigarh.
He may be staying away from politics, but Milkha again said that iconic Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar should be appointed Sports Minister of the country as he understands the problems faced by sportsperson and can raise the overall standard.
"Tendulkar should be made the sports minister. He has full knowledge about sports and it can be of immense help in lifting the standard of sports in the country. If he becomes the minister, the standard of sports will definitely go up," Singh, who missed out on a bronze in the 400m race in 1960 Rome Olympics by a whisker, said.
The 'Flying Sikh' said that over the years his fight has been with the government to acknowledge the contributions made by the sportspersons.
"Why can't sportspersons like Tendulkar or PT Usha be appointed as Governors and Ambassadors. If politicians or retired bureaucrats could be appointed as Governors and Ambassador, why can't the sportspersons be considered for such posts?" Milkha asked.