February 4: Pokhara’s Sarangkot is all set to host the First Asian Paragliding Tour Championship from February 5-9. The organisers informed in a press conference on Friday, February 2 that they will also hold the 18th edition of Nepal Open Paragliding Competition simultaneously.
Around 150 participants from 22 countries will take part in the international tournament, informed the tournament coordinator Indra Prasad Bhandari. According to Bhandari, 109 interested people including 10 women have registered their names for the competition so far. The team champions in domestic and international categories will get trophies and prizes, Bhandari said.
The paragliding championship has been held in Pokhara since the last 17 years with the objective of promoting tourism in the lake city. Pre-world Cup tournament was also held twice in Pokhara, according to Bhandari.
According to the organisers, they have adopted adequate security measures to prevent any untoward incident. Helicopter, boats and ambulances will be kept standby in case of emergency.
The estimated cost of organising the tournament is Rs 5.6 million.
