Punjab Assembly pays tributes to marathon runner Fauja Singh

Chandigarh: The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday paid tributes to veteran marathon runner Fauja Singh, who died after being hit by an unidentified vehicle while out for a walk in his native village in Jalandhar district.

Singh, who was 114-years-old, died on Monday.

On the concluding day of the special session of the Punjab Assembly, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ravjot Singh moved a proposal for paying tributes to Singh in the House.

Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan expressed grief over the demise of the veteran marathon runner and recalled his achievements, saying he inspired people with indomitable spirit.

Born in 1911 into a family of farmers, Singh was the youngest of four siblings. He became the first centenarian to complete a marathon, earning multiple records while participating in international events.

He moved to England in the 1990s and later returned to live in his native village in Punjab. He was a torchbearer for the London 2012 Olympics.