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Sports icons, family, seek museum to commemorate Fauja's legacy Aparna Banerji Tribune News Service Jalandhar, July 21 In the wake of the state Chief Minister's declaration of naming the Beas village school and stadium after Fauja Singh and his statue to be installed at Government Sports College in Jalandhar, veterans, sporting icons and Fauja Singh's family have also sought a museum to celebrate the legacy of the world's oldest marathon runner. While collections and exhibitions across the world have hosted Fauja Singh's memorabilia and celebrated his legacy, Punjab doesn't have a museum dedicated to the legend so far. His precious belongings are presevered lovingly at his home at Beas Pind as well as at his son's home in London. Harvinder Singh, son of Fauja Singh, said, "Many of his mementoes, trophies and torches lie in London. But his most exhaustive collection of medals and his clothes, his beloved watch and a lot of his memorabilia are here. Whenever he would come to Punjab, we would employ a car and our own fuel and tour schools across the state - flag march style - to motivate youngsters. He never charged a penny, it was his passion. Only recently, owing to health concerns he had to discontinue this. In England too, people love him and have set up various tributes to him in various forms. It is indeed a dream for us that there is a lasting memorial to his legacy in Punjab where children and students can come and pay tributes. The memory of a legend of his stature must not be forgotten." Harvinder added, "As a family too, we plan to discuss this. So far we haven't had the time — but we will." Cricketer and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh said, "Fauja Singh's memories should indeed be preserved in a museum. He was someone who has inspired many lives and shown the path to countless. Every single belonging of him must be preserved so that after 30 to 50 years, people still remember as the legend who set a new benchmark in fitness and resilience. It's necessary for the coming generation. Otherwise, things are forgotten with time. If this is also a demand with the village and family, they must write to the government about it. The museum could possibly be set up in a section of the school which is being named after him, as announced by the CM yesterday. " Wrestler and former Director, Sports, Punjab, Kartar Pehelwan, said, "He should also get a dedicated museum which will inspire generations of youths and sportspersons. It could be housed as a gallery within the stadium. Amidst drugs and fights in state, sports is a discipline which can spark revival. But sportspersons don't have patrons. A man like Fauja Singh can act as a huge inspiration for countless young." Arjuna awardee basketball player and AAP leader (Sutlanpur Lodhi Halka in charge) Sajjan Singh Cheema said, "NRI friends and associates of Fauja Singh like Ranjit Singh Khaira and Sydney-based Ghirnamat Singh have expressed their desire to start a marathon dedicated to Fauja Singh at his village from next year. Along with this, the protection of his journey in a museum is necessary. Fauja Singhs are not born every day, this legacy needs to be protected."

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