Stories
Sekhon IAF Marathon in Chandigarh Draws Over 5,000 Participants to Honor 1971 War Hero
- •The Indian Air Force (IAF) hosted the second Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon in Chandigarh, commemorating Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, a 1971 war hero and Param Vir Chakra awardee.
- •Over 5,000 participants, including fitness enthusiasts, professional athletes, serving personnel, veterans, students, and youth, enthusiastically joined the event.
- •The marathon honored Flying Officer Sekhon's supreme sacrifice, courage, and commitment to the nation, while also promoting fitness, discipline, and national spirit.
- •Air Marshal George Thomas, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, served as the chief guest for the event, which was jointly organized by the IAF and the Chandigarh administration.
- •Flying Officer Sekhon, born in Ludhiana, was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his heroism during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, making him the only IAF officer to receive this honor.
Key Questions Answered
The Sekhon IAF Marathon was conducted by the Indian Air Force to commemorate the valour and legacy of 1971 war hero and Param Vir Chakra awardee Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, while also promoting fitness and national spirit in alignment with the Fit India Movement.
Over 5,000 participants, including professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, serving personnel, veterans, and youth from Chandigarh and adjoining regions, took part in the second edition of the marathon.
Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon was a 1971 war hero who laid down his life fighting against six Pakistani Sabre jets attacking the Srinagar airfield and was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, making him the only Indian Air Force officer to receive the honor.
