The Southern Air Command of the Indian Air Force organised the Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon 2026 at Lulu Mall in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
The event commemorated Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, PVC, the only recipient of the Param Vir Chakra from the Indian Air Force. The marathon promoted physical fitness, discipline, healthy living and public engagement with the Indian Air Force.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon 2026 held in Thiruvananthapuram.
Organised by Southern Air Command at Lulu Mall.
Race categories included 21.1 km, 10 km and 5 km.
Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann attended the event.
Sangram Singh and Padmini Thomas flagged off the 10 km run.
The event commemorated Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, PVC.
Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann, AVSM, VM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command, attended the event. Wrestler and sportsperson Sangram Singh and Arjuna Awardee and Asian Games medalist Padmini Thomas flagged off the 10-kilometre run.
The Thiruvananthapuram edition featured three race categories — a 21.1-kilometre half marathon, a 10-kilometre run and a 5-kilometre run.
The inaugural edition of the Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon in 2025 saw participation from more than 39,000 enthusiasts across 46 locations nationwide, according to the Indian Air Force.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The marathon combines a fitness initiative with a tribute to Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon and promotes community engagement through sports.
The marathon is part of the Indian Air Force's outreach initiatives to encourage active and healthy lifestyles and promote values such as discipline and perseverance. The initiative also seeks to encourage young people to learn more about careers in the Defence Forces.
