Indian Air Force holds Sekhon Marathon to honor 1971 war hero

The Indian Air Force organized the second edition of the Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon on Sunday, held in various cities across India, including New Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Jodhpur. The event commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon, the only Indian Air Force officer to be awarded the Param Vir Chakra, who died during the 1971 war.

In New Delhi, Air Force Chief A. P. Singh inaugurated the marathon at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The event featured multiple race categories, including 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km runs. In Chandigarh, the marathon saw over 3,500 registrations, with Air Vice Marshal Shekhar Yadav noting that the event aims to inspire the public through Sekhon’s legacy.

Participants included diverse groups, such as a 74-year-old retired Navy officer in Mumbai and Haryana Police personnel who had previously scaled Mount Everest. The simultaneous nationwide event served to honor the memory of the 1971 war hero and promote fitness and national unity.