The second edition of the Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon was held on October 4, 2026, simultaneously across seven cities in India to commemorate Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, the only recipient of the Param Vir Chakra from the Indian Air Force.
In New Delhi, the marathon was flagged off by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The Delhi edition featured three race categories — 21 kilometres, 10 kilometres and 5 kilometres.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Second edition of the Sekhon IAF Marathon held on October 4, 2026.
Marathon organised simultaneously across seven Indian cities.
New Delhi edition held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh flagged off the Delhi marathon.
Delhi race categories included 21 km, 10 km and 5 km.
Event commemorated Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, PVC.
The marathon was organised by the Indian Air Force as a tribute to Sekhon's courage and sacrifice. The initiative also seeks to promote fitness, discipline, resilience and determination, while encouraging public participation and awareness of the values associated with the Defence Forces.
The event was simultaneously organised in seven cities across the country. The Indian Air Force had announced the 2026 marathon as a multi-city initiative to commemorate Sekhon and promote the importance of fitness under the Fit India Movement.
Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon displayed exceptional courage while defending Srinagar airfield during the 1971 India-Pakistan War. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery and sacrifice.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The marathon combines a public fitness initiative with a tribute to Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon and his legacy of courage and sacrifice.
Sekhon remains the only Indian Air Force recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. His legacy continues to be associated with courage, duty, sacrifice and service to the nation.
