(TAN): International Paragliding World Cup Championship of this year, scheduled to be held at Billing of Northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh has been cancelled. The development comes as the state government has expressed its inability to host the event due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, reported The Tribune.
Most of the foreign pilots are unable to come to Bir Billing, as limited international flights are operating. Indian pilots have also not expressed interest in participating in the event, as per media reports.
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The international event is hosted in October or November every year in Bir Billing, in which hundreds of foreign and Indian pilots take part. Last year also, the world cup was cancelled, following the investors meet in Dharmshala during these months.
The international event is organised jointly by the Tourism Department and the SDM, Baijnath, who is also the chairman, Special Area Development Authority (SADA), Bir Billing. Earlier, a private agency — Bir Billing Para Gliding Association (BPA) used to organise the event.
A Paris-based agency, PWCA, which organises global adventure events had not notified the dates of the International Paragliding World Cup Championship in its calendar. Officials of the state government said to the media, If the situation improves, the state could hold the event in March or April next year.
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Bir Billing is one of the ten paragliding locations in the world and right at the top in Asia, due to its altitude, required thermal currents, and the verdant green surroundings in the Himalayan foothills. The adventure sport, which is one of the most important tourist activities of Himachal Pradesh, has been suspended by the state government since March at the wake of Covid-19 pandemic.
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