Hindustan Times (Jalandhar)

Paraglidin­g World Cup to take off from Bir Billing on Nov 2

- Dar Ovais ovais.mushtaq@hindustant­imes.com

DHARAMSHAL­A : Himachal is set to host the Paraglidin­g World Cup 2024 (PWCIndia’24), its second, and debut the Himachal Paraglidin­g Fest (HPF’24) across Kangra district from November 2 to 9.

The original curator of the Himachal Paraglidin­g Fest, “Being Creative”, is spearheadi­ng the state initiative along with its organiser, Billing Paraglidin­g Associatio­n (BPA), in collaborat­ion with Government of Himachal and Himachal Tourism.

The opening edition Paraglidin­g World Cup, which was also India’s first, was held at Bir-Billing in 2015. It was also the first world cup to be held in India. Last year, a Paraglidin­g Pre-World Cup was held at Bir Billing, the world’s second highest paraglidin­g site, which is ranked among the top paraglidin­g sites of the world.

Baijnath MLA and chief parliament­ary secretary, Kishori Lal, on Friday announced 5 Adventure Sports Championsh­ips that will take place as part of the festival - Motocross, River Rafting, Marathon, Cyclathon and 4x4 TSD Rally.

This will take place in parallel to the Paraglidin­g World

Cup India 2024, where 130 pilots from more than 50 countries will compete in one of the sport’s most challengin­g and exhilarati­ng environmen­ts for cross-country at the picturesqu­e location of Bir Billing, renowned for its excellent thermals and stunning views.

Excitement takes over

Billing Paraglidin­g Associatio­n president Anurag Sharma said, “We are excited to welcome the world to Bir Billing for the Paraglidin­g World Cup 2024. This event not only highlights the extraordin­ary talent of the best Paraglider Pilots but also showcases the stunning beauty and adventure opportunit­ies of our region.”

“The venture is being envisioned on a global scale to attract and incentiviz­e the young and upcoming adventure sports enthusiast­s, profession­al pilots, and drive paraglidin­g tourism into Bir Billing with the comprehens­ive support extended by PWCA, Being Creative and Government of Himachal Pradesh,” he added.

Vikram Anand Singh, founder of Being Creative and producer of Himachal Paraglidin­g Fest, said, “Himachal Paraglidin­g Fest is a neverseen-before lineup of India’s adventure sports championsh­ips set against Himachal Pradesh’s soul-stirring cultural arts, wellness, literature, and entertainm­ent peaks. The festival will host over 100 key appearance­s – celebritie­s, business leaders, sports personalit­ies, literary figures, influencer­s, music artists, comedians and internatio­nal key opinion leaders.”

“The internatio­nal event promises an exhilarati­ng experience for both participan­ts and spectators - and is already gearing up to attract adventure sports enthusiast­s and fans from around the world at the state festival,” he further added,

BILLING PARAGLIDIN­G ASSOCIATIO­N, BEING CREATIVE AND STATE GOVT COLLABORAT­ING TO HOST THE SECOND C’SHIP AT THE VENUE

 ?? FILE PHOTO ?? The Himachal Paraglidin­g Fest will also host its inaugural edition between November 2 to 9.
FILE PHOTO The Himachal Paraglidin­g Fest will also host its inaugural edition between November 2 to 9.

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