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Journalism of Courage
The Air Force Station Pune will host the first edition of the Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon on November 2 as a tribute to the valour, courage, and supreme sacrifice of Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, the only Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardee from the Indian Air Force. The marathon will be organised simultaneously at 61 Air Force Stations across the country.
The event will begin at 5.45 am at the Station Sports Ground in Lohegaon. “The Marathon aims to celebrate the indomitable spirit of the Indian Air Force and promote fitness, patriotism, and camaraderie among participants. The event will see enthusiastic participation from serving personnel, veterans, families, and civilian citizens from across Pune and neighbouring regions,” a press statement issued through the Defence PRO, Pune, stated.
The marathon will be held in three categories – 21 kilometres, 10 kilometres, and five kilometres; offering opportunities for participants of all age groups and fitness levels to take part in the run that embodies the Air Force motto, ‘Touch the Sky with Glory.’
“This initiative forms part of the Pan-India Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon, being organised simultaneously at 61 Air Force Stations across the country. Participants and enthusiasts can register online through the official website http://www.sekhoniafmarathon.in or contact the organisers at +91 95115 80588 for further details,” the release added.
Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon served as a pilot of a Gnat detachment based at Srinagar, tasked with defending the valley against Pakistani air attacks during the 1971 war.
His Param Vir Chakra citation reads: “On 14 December 1971, Srinagar airfield was attacked by a wave of enemy Sabre aircraft. Flying Officer Sekhon was on readiness duty at the time. Immediately, however, no fewer than six enemy aircraft were overhead, and they began bombing and strafing the airfield. In spite of the mortal danger of attempting to take off during the attack, Flying Officer Sekhon took off and immediately engaged a pair of the attacking Sabres. In the fight that ensued, he secured hits on one aircraft and damaged another. By this time the other Sabre aircraft came to the aid of their hard-pressed companions and Flying Officer Sekhon’s Gnat was again outnumbered, this time by four to one.”
The citation further adds: “Even though alone, Flying Officer Sekhon engaged the enemy in an unequal combat. In the fight that followed, at treetop height, he almost held his own, but was eventually overcome by the sheer weight of numbers. His aircraft was shot down by a gunfire of one of the Sabres and he was killed. The sublime heroism, supreme gallantry, flying skill and determination above and beyond the call of duty displayed by Flying Officer Sekhon in the face of certain death have set new heights in Air Force traditions.”
