Paragliding Pre-World Cup Begins, 107 paragliders across world participate

Dharamsala, October 24, 2013: Weeklong Paragliding Pre-World Cup has begun today amid Indian rituals after unfurling of the Tricolour at Billing about 60 kms from Dharamsala.
Urban Development and Town Planning Minister Sudhir Sharma announced opening of the cup after performance of a havana accompanied by mantra chanting.
A good number of local enthusiasts were present on the occasion along with 107 paragliders across the world.
As many as 30 countries are taking part in the competition. This contingent comprises 8 women pilots including one Indian. 25 male Indians are also participating in the cup.
Speaking on the occasion Urban Development and Town Planning Minister Sudhir Sharma told a training school would be opened soon at Billing to Chisel the flying talent of the new comers. This school would facilitate the local and outside paragliding loving persons to learn the basics and advances of flying. Billing had earned a special niche in the international paragliding map and made the state proud by earning 2nd place in the world. Other adventurous activities would also be associated with paragliding, he added. Exclusion of this place from the sanctuary area would help in completion of road upto Rajgundha, and it would encourage river rafting and angling in the Uhal Khudd.
The minister said efforts to develop the billing area from tourism point of view would boost development in the Chotta and Bara Banghal area. Holding of such events encouraged the paragliding loving people to exhibit their courage and genius. Efforts would be made to convert this pre-world cup to world cup.
Sudhir Sharma said the government was trying hard to encourage adventure sports in different parts of the state by creating infrastructure and provided all help in organising this cup. He hoped to accomplish this cup without any disruption but the committee had taken all precautionary measures including stand by arrangements.
Around 200 Indian and foreign pilots soared in the sky on the first day of the event. Director of the Paragliding Association Anurag Sharma, Vice President Suresh Thakur, Event Director Debu Chaudhary were among others present on the occasion. www.cityairnews.com

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