New Delhi, October 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Indian Air Force (IAF) organised the second edition of the ‘Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon’ on Sunday to honour Flight Lieutenant Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon, the only IAF officer to have been awarded the Param Vir Chakra, for his valour and supreme sacrifice during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
The main event was held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, where Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, inaugurated the marathon and participated in the run. Marathons were also organised simultaneously in several cities, including Chandigarh, Guwahati and Jodhpur, as well as other locations across the country.
The event featured 21-km, 10-km and 5-km categories, bringing together participants from diverse age groups and backgrounds to pay tribute to Sekhon’s courage, patriotism and dedication to duty.
Sekhon made history on December 14, 1971, when six Pakistani fighter jets attacked the Srinagar airfield. Flying a Gnat fighter aircraft, the young IAF pilot took to the skies to intercept the attackers and defend the base. During the intense aerial engagement, he shot down a Pakistani Sabre jet and inflicted heavy damage on another enemy aircraft.
Despite being outnumbered, Sekhon continued to engage the Pakistani aircraft and defend the airfield until he made the supreme sacrifice. His bravery earned him the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award.
The marathon was organised in his memory to celebrate his extraordinary courage and inspire future generations. The nationwide events saw participation from Air Force personnel, senior officers and civilians, reflecting a shared tribute to the war hero.
In Guwahati, Assam, senior Air Force officers and civilians took part in the event, while Jodhpur in Rajasthan and Chandigarh also hosted the marathon.
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