Para-gliding meet in HP a big draw

The pre-World Cup Para-Gliding Tournament in the Kangra Valley in early November this year will see participants across the world, feels Upma Chaudhary, director, state tourism department. And, Himachal Pradesh may soon become a centre for aero-sports and attract business travellers, she feels.

The hill state is already a major draw for business travellers keen on sports like skiing, high trekking, and river rafting. But para-gliding is still a minor activity, despite the hill state having some of the finest venues in the world.

"Some of the best para-gliders from around the world have registered for the competition to be held during November 6""9 this year," Chaudhary said.

"The event will have a positive impact on tourism in the region," she added.

"Over 70 people have decided to take part from the US, Germany, Australia, Spain, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Russia, Indonesia, apart from India," said Manoj Sharma, deputy director, tourism.

Officials said the four-day event at Billing in the Kangra Valley, about 240 km from here, will take place in conformity with the Para World Cup Association Rules and will get the Category II status from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI).

FAI is the international body regulating this aero-sport.

The event is being organised by the Himachal Pradesh tourism department, along with the Para-Gliding World Cup Association, France, Aero Club of India, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Manali.

Identified as such almost 20 years ago, the Billing and Bir venues in the Kangra valley are supposed to be some of the best para-gliding sites in the world.

If the event was successful, India might qualify to take part in the World Cup later, officials said.