Honoring a Hero: The Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon 2025

The Indian Air Force (IAF) announced a nationwide marathon event in Delhi and 60 other locations on November 2, honoring the legacy of Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, a decorated 1971 war hero.

Born in Ludhiana, Sekhon distinguished himself by valiantly engaging six Pakistani Sabre jets during the Indo-Pak War of 1971, sacrificing his life to defend the Srinagar airfield. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his courage, becoming the only Indian Air Force officer to earn this prestigious honor.

The marathon, dubbed the Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon 2025, bears the IAF's motto 'Touch the Sky with Glory,' aiming to inspire participants with Sekhon's story of heroism. Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will be the central venue among the 60 national locations hosting the event.