Paragliding Resumes in Pokhara with National Championship After Airport Uncertainty

Kathmandu. Following the construction and operation of the Pokhara International Airport, the long-stalled paragliding sport is set to resume. To continue paragliding in the skies of Pokhara, world-renowned for adventure sports and recreation, the Nepal Air Sports Association is organizing the '21st Nepal Open Men's and Women's Paragliding Championship' from Chaitra 5 to 7.

Previously, between 1,000 to 1,200 domestic and foreign tourists enjoyed paragliding daily in Pokhara. However, this business faced a crisis due to flight safety concerns related to the international airport.

The prolonged shutdown left approximately 350 pilots working for 60 registered paragliding companies in Pokhara unemployed, pushing the tourism sector, which involves crores of investment, to the brink of collapse.

Paragliding is a top choice for tourists to observe the beautiful views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre Himalayas, along with Fewa Lake and surrounding tourist spots. The announcement of the championship has brought new hope to the tourism sector. So far, 90 paragliding pilots, both domestic and foreign, have registered to participate in the competition.

The organizers stated that the winners in the men's category will receive cash prizes of NPR 150,000, NPR 100,000, and NPR 50,000 for first, second, and third place, respectively, along with medals and certificates. Similarly, the winners in the women's category will be awarded NPR 75,000, NPR 50,000, and NPR 25,000, along with medals and certificates.