"Loss was for me as well as the country": Father of late Wing Commander Syal

Kangra (Himachal Pradesh) [India], November 23 (ANI): Jagan Nath Syal, the father of late Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who tragically lost his life in a Tejas fighter jet crash during the Dubai Air Show, expressed his profound grief at the loss of his son, describing it as a personal tragedy as well as a loss for the nation.
Speaking following the last rites of his son Wing Commander Namansh Syal at his native village, Patialkar, in Kangra, Syal stated that the Wing Commander was a dedicated and accomplished officer who excelled in every challenge he undertook.
"The country has lost an ace pilot, and I have lost a young son. The loss was for me as well as the country," Syal said.
"He never disappointed me. He never had a dull moment in his life and won every competition that he participated in," he added.
Jagan Nath Syal further noted that both the Government of India and the Dubai authorities are conducting investigations into the incident.
The Indian Air Force on Friday confirmed the demise of Wing Commander Syal after a Tejas aircraft crashed and burst into flames at the Dubai Air Show 2025.
Namansh, a 34-year-old fighter pilot, was a dedicated officer and an outstanding athlete. He was survived by his wife Afshan, also an IAF officer, their six-year-old daughter Aarya, and his parents.
Earlier today, Namansh's mortal remains were brought to his ancestral village, Patialkar, in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, for the last rites.
The last rites were performed in accordance with all traditional practices, including the gun salute, procession, and wreath-laying ceremony.
Wife of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, Wing Commander Afshan, saluted her husband as she bid farewell to him with tears in her eyes.
Villagers, who gathered around to have a last look at Wing Commander Namansh Syal, expressed their grief over the loss of one of their gems.
Pankaj Chadha, who studied at the same schools as Wing Commander Syal, said, "I have also studied in the same school as Namansh, Sainik School Sujanpur Tira. We have lost one of our gems. He was the pride of our school. We will go to his native village, Patialkar. He made all of us very proud," Chadha told ANI. (ANI)