The world’s oldest marathoner Fauja Singh, known by the nickname ‘Turbaned Tornado’, was cremated on Sunday with full state honours here in Beas, his native village. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Minister Mohinder Bhagat and several other dignitaries attended the funeral. Fauja’s son Harvinder Singh lit the funeral pyre. 

Fauja was 114 when he was hit by an SUV being driven by Canada-based Amritpal Singh Dhillon on July 14. He was crossing the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway when the incident occurred. He later succumbed to injuries. CM Mann said Fauja Singh participated in many marathon races and made the country proud with his achievements. He proposed that the village school be named after Fauja Singh and a statue in his honour be erected at the sports college in Jalandhar.

Leaders cutting across party lines offered their condolences for the marathoner’s death, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he was extraordinary because of his unique persona and how he inspired the youth of India on fitness. Fauja Singh’s career as a marathon runner began when he was 89.