The city of Chandigarh saw an enthusiastic turnout of approximately 5,000 participants for the Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon – 2026 on Sunday. The event was dedicated to the memory of Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, the Indian Air Force’s only Param Vir Chakra recipient, celebrating his supreme sacrifice and valor.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the marathon attracted a diverse crowd, including fitness enthusiasts, professional athletes, serving Air Force personnel, veterans, students, and youth from Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, and surrounding areas. The event was structured across several categories, featuring different distances and age groups, aiming to foster a spirit of fitness, discipline, and national pride.
Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, who hailed from Ludhiana, was just 28 years old during the 1971 India-Pakistan War. He was stationed at the Srinagar airbase with No. 18 Squadron, known as the Flying Bullets. On December 14, 1971, Sekhon and another officer were scrambled to counter a Pakistani aerial attack. In the ensuing combat, Sekhon successfully shot down three enemy Sabre jets before his own aircraft was hit, leading to his ultimate sacrifice. His actions earned him the Param Vir Chakra posthumously, India’s highest military honor for acts of bravery in the face of the enemy.
The No. 18 Squadron, initially formed in 1965 with Gnat fighter aircraft, played a crucial role in the defense of the Kashmir Valley during the 1971 war, earning Battle Honours for its operational performance. The squadron was later decommissioned in 2015 following the phasing out of its MiG-27 aircraft. However, it was re-established in April 2020 at Sulur Air Force Station in Tamil Nadu, equipped with the indigenous Tejas Mk-1 fighter, and subsequently relocated to the Naliya airbase in Gujarat.
Air Marshal George Thomas, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The Sekhon IAF Marathon was jointly organized by the Indian Air Force and the Chandigarh Administration. This collaborative effort, held in the lead-up to Air Force Day on October 8, aimed to strengthen the synergy between military and civilian communities and actively contribute to the national Fit India movement, according to a defense spokesperson.
The event served as a poignant reminder of the courage and dedication of individuals like Flying Officer Sekhon. His legacy continues to inspire, particularly among the younger generations participating in such sporting and commemorative events. The marathon’s success underscored the community’s commitment to remembering its heroes and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle across the region.
The participation from various towns and cities surrounding Chandigarh highlighted the widespread appeal of the event and the shared respect for the armed forces. Organizers expressed satisfaction with the turnout, noting the positive atmosphere and the active engagement of all age groups in promoting physical well-being and national spirit.
The initiative by the Indian Air Force and the Chandigarh Administration to host such a large-scale event aims to not only honor military bravery but also to encourage public participation in sports and fitness. The marathon has become a significant annual fixture, drawing participants from various strata of society, all united by a common purpose of remembrance and physical well-being.
The commemoration of Flying Officer Sekhon through the marathon connects the present generation with the valorous past of the Indian Air Force. The event’s strategic timing before Air Force Day adds to its significance, reinforcing the bond between the armed forces and the citizens they protect. The blend of a sporting event with a memorial tribute has proven to be an effective way to engage the public and foster a sense of national pride and gratitude.
The smooth execution of the marathon, despite the large number of participants, was a testament to the organizational capabilities of both the IAF and the Chandigarh Administration. The event’s focus on multiple race categories ensured inclusivity, allowing individuals of varying fitness levels to participate and contribute to the spirit of the occasion. The successful conclusion of the Sekhon IAF Marathon has further solidified its place as a key event in the city’s annual calendar, promoting fitness and honoring national heroes.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
