CM joins thousands of mourners to give tearful adieu to Fauja Singh

Beas (Jalandhar), July 20, 2025: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday joined thousands of people from all walks of life to bid a tearful adieu to world-renowned marathoner Fauja Singh, who was cremated at his native village.

The Chief Minister, who laid a wreath on the body of Fauja Singh, expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of international marathoner, who passed away after being hit by a speeding vehicle on July 14 while he was crossing a road in his village. Bhagwant Singh Mann lauded the outstanding services of the deceased marathoner to the field of sports adding that his hard work, dedication and perseverance will always inspire the young generation to work hard in the field of sports. He said 114 year old Fauja Singh was the world’s oldest marathon runner, and with his commitment had emerged as a global symbol of endurance and healthy aging.

The Chief Minister said that the sports fraternity will ever remain indebted to late Fauja Singh for his enormous contribution in taking the athletics to new heights, by defying his age, at international arena.  Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the death of Fauja Singh had shocked the entire world as he was a global ambassador of commitment and hard work. He said that through his long-distance runs, late Fauja Singh brought laurels for Punjab in general and for the Sikh community in particular across the world.

The Chief Minister said that the oldest marathon runner in the world Fauja Singh Ji will forever live in the hearts and memories of the sports lovers and will inspire us to live a healthy life. He categorically said that the void created by the death of this legendary athlete is difficult to be filled in the near future adding that recognizing his immense contribution, the state government will rename the school in his village after him besides installing his statues at the stadium in village and Sports college, Jalandhar. Expressing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, Bhagwant Singh Mann prayed to the Almighty to give strength to bear this huge loss and grant peace to the departed soul.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat and other dignitaries.