National Paragliding Accuracy Championship Wraps Up in Kapkot with Exciting Results
The scenic town of Kapkot in Bageshwar district witnessed the thrilling conclusion of the National Paragliding Accuracy Championship at Jalekh on Sunday. The final day saw intense competition with 64 skilled pilots taking to the skies, showcasing precision and skill in this growing adventure sport.
Champions Crowned and Prizes Awarded
After days of competitive flying, Manish Upreti emerged victorious, securing the championship title and a substantial prize of Rs 1 lakh. The second position was claimed by Manish Bhandari, who received Rs 50,000, while Pankaj Kumar took third place with a prize of Rs 30,000.
In a significant move to promote gender diversity in adventure sports, five women pilots were honored with encouragement awards of Rs 5,000 each. This recognition highlights the increasing participation of women in what was traditionally a male-dominated sport.
Diverse Participants Highlight Sport's Growing Appeal
The championship attracted participants from varied professional backgrounds, demonstrating the expanding reach of paragliding beyond just adventure enthusiasts. Among the notable competitors was Bajop Pingrop from Meghalaya, a former MLA and current member of the district council from Rambrai–Jirangam, who also serves as general secretary of the Meghalaya Paragliding Association.
Pingrop emphasized that paragliding tests both discipline and confidence, stating that proper skill development and training are crucial for success in the sport. He actively encouraged youth in hill regions to consider adventure sports as a viable career path.
Remarkable Stories from the Competition
Nachiketa Gupta, an assistant engineer with Gujarat's irrigation department, shared his journey into paragliding since 2022, having competed in events across Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Kerala, and Tehri. His story reflects how professionals from different fields are embracing adventure sports.
Another inspiring participant was sixty-year-old pilot Bhuvan Chandra Paneru from Pithoragarh, who demonstrated that age is no barrier to pursuing passion in adventure sports.
The championship also featured Himanshu Gupta, a speed-wing pilot from Dehradun and the only such participant in the competition. He achieved remarkable speed, flying at 115 kmph and covering the distance from Jalekh to Kedareshwar in approximately two-and-a-half minutes. In comparison, accuracy pilots typically take 15 to 20 minutes to cover the same stretch, highlighting the different disciplines within paragliding.
Kapkot's Potential for Adventure Tourism
Officials emphasized that the championship successfully highlighted Kapkot's excellent suitability for paragliding, citing favorable terrain and weather conditions that make it an ideal location for such events. District Magistrate Akanksha Kondae acknowledged the district's significant potential for paragliding and other adventure sports, pledging continued efforts to strengthen and promote such events in the future.
The successful conclusion of this national championship not only crowned deserving winners but also positioned Kapkot as an emerging hub for adventure sports in India, potentially boosting local tourism and creating new opportunities for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
