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Shimla, Nov 23 (IANS) The mortal remains of Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Wing Commander Naman Syal, who was killed in the Tejas fighter jet crash at the Dubai Air Show, was brought to his native place in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday and cremated with full military honours.
Wing Commander Syal, 34, was a resident of Patialkar village near Yol in Nagrota Bagwan tehsil of Kangra district. Wing Commander Sayal, known for his exceptional service record, was posted at the Hyderabad Air Base.
He is survived by his wife Afsan, an Indian Air Force officer, and their five-year-old daughter.
His father, Jagan Nath, a former soldier who later served as a principal in the Himachal Pradesh education department, and his mother Beena Devi were in Hyderabad to meet their son when the tragedy struck after the HAL-designed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft lost control, fell and caught fire during a low-altitude air display at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport on November 21.
“Recognition of Wing Commander Naman Syal, who made the supreme sacrifice during the Dubai Air Show on 21 November 2025. His courage, skill and dedication to the nation will always inspire us. Gone too soon, but never forgotten,” the Southern Air Command IAF Media Co-ordination Center wrote on Twitter.
A dedicated fighter pilot and a thorough professional, Wing Commander Sayal served the nation with unwavering commitment, exceptional skill and a strong sense of duty, the IAF said.
“His dignified personality won him great respect through a life dedicated to service, and this was visible in the farewell given to him by UAE officials, colleagues, friends and Indian Embassy officials.
“At this hour of deep grief, the Indian Air Force stands in solidarity with his family and honors his legacy of courage, dedication and honour. His service will be remembered with gratitude,” it said.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu expressed grief over the loss, saying “a brave son of India was taken too soon”.
Youth Services and Sports Minister Yadvinder Goma and local MLA Raghubir Singh Bali, both representing the state government, were present among other political leaders.
–IANS
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