The Billing Paragliding Association had successfully organised the Pre-World Cup of Paragliding at the same venue in 2013 to test the waters with extremely encouraging results and great response, which paved the way for the World Cup to be brought here.
The best paragliders in the world will gather in Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh, and show their mettle, as India gears up to host the “AAI Paragliding World Cup 2015”. Preparations are underway on a massive scale in Bir Billing where the World Cup would be staged from October 23 to 31 this year.
The Billing Paragliding Association (BPA), which has been entrusted to organise the event, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a memorable experience for everyone. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will be the Title Sponsor and actively promote the event through various avenues and platforms to be announced soon. The AAI has also taken up the task of promoting Adventure Sports and help build an additional avenue for Tourism.
About 130 of the best paragliders, including those in World’s Top-5, from over 40 countries are set to participate in the championship, which will put India firmly on the global paragliding map.
Sudhir Sharma, Minister of Housing, Urban Development and Town & Country Planning, Government of Himachal Pradesh, who is also the president of the Billing Paragliding Association, has been closely monitoring the progress of the event. “It is a matter of huge prestige for Billing Paragliding Association and Himachal Pradesh that the AAI Paragliding World Cup is happening here. This is a huge shot in the arm for not only the sport of paragliding, but Himachal Pradesh as well and we are working hard to deliver a truly world-class event,” he said.
“We are very thrilled that a prominent organisation like the Airports Authority of India has come forward to be the title sponsor of the Paragliding World Cup. It will boost the sports and tourism activities in the state as international participants, pilots and others will visit the Kangra valley during this championship. Other activities to attract spectators will also be organised and it is bound to boost the local tourism,” he added.
Sudhir Raheja, Member (Planning) and Board Member of AAI, said, “The AAI Paragliding World Cup is a big step in the promotion of Adventure Sports in India. AAI was looking to adopt a sport and this has come at the right time as Paragliding and AAI have a lot of synergy through aviation. This association can take Adventure Sports to the next level. The Paragliding World Cup, which is being held for the first time in India, heralds a new era for Aero Sports in India.”
The Billing Paragliding Association had successfully organised the Pre-World Cup of Paragliding at the same venue in 2013 to test the waters with extremely encouraging results and great response, which paved the way for the World Cup to be brought here.
During the week-long tournament, the edge of competitive sport during the day will give way for some fun in the evenings, with specially themed programmes being planned during each evening. The gala opening and the closing ceremonies promise to be extravaganzas, adding their own colour to the World Cup.
This is the first time that an event of this magnitude has been awarded to India by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the governing world body for air sports, and the Paragliding World Cup Association (PWCA). As a competitive sport, Paragliding has already featured in some Games like the South-East Asian Games and the Asian Beach Games. Paragliding was also short-listed in the initial list of new events for 2020 Olympics, but will now be considered for 2024 Olympic Games.
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