World’s oldest marathoner Fauja Singh cremated with state honours in Punjab village
‘Punjab government to install a statue of Fauja Singh at Jalandhar sports college,’ says CM Bhagwant Mann.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Governor Gulab Chand Kataria visited the bereaved family to offer condolences and attend the funeral. World’s oldest marathoner, Fauja Singh, who recently passed away at the age of 114, was cremated with full state honours in his native village, Beas Pind, near Jalandhar on Sunday afternoon.
Hundreds gathered at the site to pay their final respects to the legendary athlete. He had died in a hit-and-run case on Monday.
The tragic incident took place near Beas village on the Jalandhar-Pathankot Highway, when Fauja Singh was walking toward his farmland and dhaba. He was rushed to the hospital but died after three hours of treatment.
His mortal remains were kept for public viewing from 9 am to 12.30 pm at his residence. The cremation was conducted as per Sikh rituals, and an antim ardas (final prayer) was performed.
Fauja Singh’s granddaughter was seen breaking down during the final rites, as the family and community bid a tearful farewell to a man who became an international symbol of resilience.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Governor Gulab Chand Kataria visited the bereaved family to offer condolences and attend the funeral. The Prime Minister’s Office also sent a message of tribute to the bereaved family.
Among the other dignitaries present were Punjab minister Mohinder Bhagat and Congress MLAs Pargat Singh, Hardev Singh Ladi Sherowalia, and Sukhwinder Singh Kotli.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwan Singh said, “Fauja Singh was a personality who became a symbol of determination, discipline, and inspiration. He has proven that age is no barrier if one takes care of and loves their body and lives with purpose.”
The chief minister emphasised that Fauja Singh’s legacy will live on through the generations. “If the village panchayat decides to name a school after him or install a statue in his honour, the government will fully support and facilitate it,” he added.
Highlighting Punjab’s rich sporting culture, the CM further said, “Jalandhar is the sports hub of Punjab, and home to a prestigious sports college. We will install a statue of Fauja Singh there, so that future generations can draw inspiration from his dedication to sports and healthy living.”
Mann also commended Fauja Singh’s role in Punjab’s anti-drug campaign.
The Governor said, “At this age, he (Fauja Singh) had unparalleled self-confidence and made the country proud across the globe.”
Kataria further said, “During the walk against drugs last year, he walked alongside me, and I consider myself fortunate to have had that opportunity.”
“He was such an inspiration for everyone – a reminder of how one can maintain good health. We should always remember him,” he added.
Born in 1911, Fauja Singh led a humble life until his 80s, when personal tragedy – the loss of his eldest daughter, wife, and a son – pushed him into depression. It was only after moving to the United Kingdom with his son Sukhwinder Singh in 1994 that a new chapter began. There, he took up running, and between 2000 and 2013, completed nine full marathons across the globe, becoming an icon of endurance in the world of athletics.
Despite his age, Fauja Singh remained fiercely independent till the end – walking up to three hours a day around his fields and village. He followed a strict vegetarian diet, favouring traditional foods like pinni, ghiya, tinda, and mangoes, and stayed away from processed food.
“He was a living legend. The world should have celebrated him more while he was still with us,” said his son Harvinder Singh, his voice heavy with grief.
Fauja Singh is survived by two sons and two daughters.
The Jalandhar Rural police had arrested Amritpal Singh Dhillon, 26, a Canada-based Non-Resident Indian (NRI) from Dasupur village, in connection with the hit-and-run accident that killed the 114-year-old marathoner.
CCTV footage and vehicle part analysis helped the police trace the suspect. Dhillon recently purchased the SUV involved in the accident – a Toyota Fortuner – from a Kapurthala resident. Dhillon was arrested by the police within 30 hours of the incident.
The police have registered a case under Sections 281 and 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and seized the vehicle. The accused will be produced in court on Wednesday.
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