Leh :- The Ladakh Aero Festival and Pre-Paragliding Accuracy World Cup officially began, marking a significant milestone in the region’s adventure tourism landscape. The world’s highest paragliding accuracy competition, held at 14,400 feet, is taking place from August 25-28. The Ladakh Aero Festival aims to position the region as a global hub for aero sports enthusiasts. Ladakh’s status as the world’s highest eco-friendly paragliding site was highlighted, with the region offering a range of adventure activities including paragliding, rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, mountain biking, trekking, and wildlife tours.
The festival was officially flagged off by Hon’ble CEC Tashi Gyalson.The five-day event, which commenced with registration yesterday, promises to be a groundbreaking celebration of aero sports and adventure. The competition features 45 pilots across three categories: Overall Men, Overall Women, and Overall Team. Winners in each category will receive gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with cash prizes. The team category includes ten competing teams.
H’CEC Tashi Gyalson, in his address, emphasized the historic nature of this event despite its initial scale. He highlighted the potential for Ladakh to become a premier destination for adventure tourism and hinted at future expansions, including local paragliding accuracy competitions. CEC Gyalson also highlighted the need for increased investment in adventure activities to promote rural tourism.
Chief Judge Raju Rai from Sikkim acknowledged the efforts of the UT administration and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) in making the event possible and extended his sincere gratitude. He expressed confidence in the exponential growth of paragliding and announced that all participants will receive FAI awards.
The event also saw the launch of official festival T-shirts, symbolizing the spirit and energy of the festival.
The event’s inauguration was graced by Mahavir Chakra Col. Sonam Wangchuk, Former CEC Gyal Wangyal; Councillor Sakti Tsering Rigzin ;SDM Sonam Dorjey, AD Tourism Faisal Iqbal Tantray and personnel from the Indian Air Force.
