National Paragliding Accuracy Championship Takes Flight in Uttarakhand's Bageshwar
A five-day National Accuracy Paragliding competition has officially launched at the scenic Kedareshwar Ground in Kapkot, Bageshwar district, Uttarakhand. The prestigious event, which began on Thursday, has attracted experienced pilots from across India, including trained personnel from the Indian Army.
Promoting Adventure Tourism in Hill Districts
Officials have emphasized that the primary objective of this national-level competition is to promote adventure tourism in Uttarakhand's picturesque hill districts. The event is being jointly organized by the state's tourism department and Fly Himalayas Adventure, a prominent adventure sports organization.
District Magistrate Akanksha Konde and Kapkot MLA Suresh Garia formally inaugurated the championship, marking a significant moment for the region's sporting and tourism calendar.
Competition Format and Participation
The competition follows the Paragliding Accuracy format, where pilots take off from the Jalekh launch site and attempt precision landings at a marked target point at Kedareshwar Ground. According to Jagdish Joshi, founder of Fly Himalayas Adventure and co-organizer, this competitive sport requires pilots to land as close as possible to the center of a designated ground target.
The event spans several rounds, with the pilot recording the lowest cumulative score being declared the ultimate winner.
An impressive total of 92 pilots from various states have registered for this national championship. On the opening day alone, 84 pilots participated in flights, demonstrating strong engagement from the paragliding community. Notably, the field includes five women pilots, highlighting growing gender diversity in adventure sports.
Comprehensive Safety and Spectator Arrangements
Officials have implemented extensive safety protocols to ensure a secure competition environment. These arrangements include expert technical teams, medical units, fire services, and trained volunteers stationed at both the take-off and landing sites. Special provisions have also been made to accommodate spectators, allowing the local community and visitors to witness the thrilling aerial displays.
Economic and Tourism Benefits
Addressing participants during the inauguration, District Magistrate Akanksha Konde expressed pride in hosting the national event, noting that it aligns with the chief minister's directives to promote adventure tourism. She emphasized that such competitions not only support tourism development but also boost the local economy and create valuable opportunities for youth employment.
"Strict adherence to safety protocols is mandatory throughout the competition," Konde added, underscoring the priority given to participant welfare.
Ishwar Singh, a participant from Manipur, praised Bageshwar's terrain and natural conditions as being exceptionally well-suited for paragliding. "Closer integration of the sport with tourism can generate employment for local youth and encourage wider participation in adventure activities," he observed.
Prize Structure and Future Prospects
Substantial prize money has been announced to reward top performers, with Rs 1 lakh for first place, Rs 50,000 for second, and Rs 30,000 for third position. Participants were formally felicitated during the inaugural program, recognizing their commitment to the sport.
Officials anticipate that this national event will significantly contribute to positioning Kapkot and Bageshwar as emerging adventure tourism destinations within Uttarakhand. By showcasing the region's ideal paragliding conditions and organizational capabilities, the competition aims to attract more adventure enthusiasts and tourists to the area in future seasons.
