As part of centenary celebrations of the legendary Marshal Arjan Singh, a half marathon was organised at 100 Air Force Stations across the nation on 14 April 2019. More than 10,000 air warriors participated in the half-marathons organised at the 100 Air Force Stations to mark the centenary celebration of their first ever five-star rank Marshal.

The Delhi leg of the half marathon started on Sunday from Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in which more than 800 air warriors living in Delhi-NCR participated. Air Marshal Raghunath Nambiar PVSM AVSM VM & Bar, AOC-in-C, Western Air Command, flagged off the marathon at JLN Stadium and Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff, was the chief guest during the closing ceremony. Leading Aircraftsman Manohar of 2228 Squadron, Sepoy S Raju of Defence Security Corps (DSC) of 13 Base Repair Depot and Lance Naik Ratan Singh of DSC from Western Air Command won gold medals in the categories of 35 years and below, 36 years to 45 years and 46 years, respectively.

Addressing the participants at the stadium, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff, said “The Indian Air Force has accomplished a milestone in sporting activity by the simultaneous conduct of half marathon across the country. Late Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh DFC was an accomplished sportsman. The conduct of this half marathon is a befitting tribute to the legend and an admirable way of expression of our gratitude towards his contribution to the nation. The event highlights our commitment to facilitate sports and to encourage air warriors to set high standards of fitness.”

Late IAF Marshal Arjan Singh DFC was the first and only “Five Star” rank officer of the Indian Air Force. His passion for the game of hockey was unparalleled. The IAF legend had always been an inspiration to air warriors leading from front not only in the war front but also in the field of sports. Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa further congratulated all the air warriors who participated in the half marathon in Air Force Stations across India. He also congratulated the award winners and said he was looking forward to Marshal of the Indian Air Force Centenary Hockey tournament going to be held in Chandigarh as a befitting tribute to the late Arjan Singh.

(The writer is a Delhi-based independent contributor to print and online publications)