Bir Billing is set to host the International Paragliding World Cup Championship, commencing on November 2. Extensive preparations are underway to ensure the success of this major event, with hundreds of foreign and domestic tourists already arriving in the scenic region. Currently, over 200 tandem flights are taking off from Billing each day, adding to the excitement in the area. A team of experts from the Special Area Development Authority has been deployed at the take-off point to inspect pilots’ documents and equipment, ensuring the safety of all participants and tourists.
Hotels and camping sites in the valley are fully booked as the influx of tourists continues to rise. So far, 138 foreign pilots from 30 countries have submitted their documents for the event. Of these, 85 pilots have been shortlisted, with the remaining applications still under review. For the first time, 10 women pilots will also be participating in the championship, adding a new dimension to the competition.
However, this year’s event comes with some controversy, as Russian and Nepalese pilots have been barred from participating. Although they had applied for registration, the Federation Aeronautic International (FAI), the governing body of the event, did not approve their names. In previous years, Russian pilots were allowed to participate, but the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is believed to be the reason for their exclusion, as the FAI is dominated by European countries.
Anurag Sharma, president of the Bir Billing Paragliding Association (BPA), held a meeting with both Indian and foreign participants to review the final arrangements for the event. He briefed the pilots on the latest safety protocols and the challenging topography of the Dhauladhar hills, aiming to minimise the risk of accidents. Sharma noted the excitement among pilots for the week-long championship, which is being organised in collaboration with the state tourism department under the guidance of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The Chief Minister is expected to be the chief guest at the closing ceremony.
Sharma expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his efforts to develop Bir Billing’s infrastructure to international standards. Last year, the Chief Minister approved over Rs 5 crore for key projects, including the installation of transmission lines and drinking water supply schemes. These projects, completed by the HPSEB and IPH departments, have further enhanced the area’s readiness for the championship.
The opportunity to host the event was granted by the Paragliding World Cup Association in France, marking a significant achievement for Himachal Pradesh. Sharma emphasised that the championship will boost both sports and adventure tourism in the state, with international participants, pilots and visitors expected to stay in Kangra Valley for the 10-day duration of the event.
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