The first-ever Nepal Paragliding Premier League has officially begun in Dharan under the collaboration of the Paragliding and Hanggliding Association and the Nepal Tourism Board. The international event started on Friday at Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City Ward No. 14 and will continue until May 11.
The championship was jointly inaugurated by Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board Hikmat Singh Air, and former Deputy Mayor of Dharan Manju Bhandari.
The opening ceremony was held at the paragliding take-off site in Chhoti Morang, Dharan-4. According to event coordinator Bhopal Chyamalud, the league features the participation of 32 pilots from Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Karki highlighted the immense potential of adventure tourism in Koshi Province. He stated that sports such as paragliding and mountaineering would play a significant role in promoting adventure tourism in the region. He also shared the government’s vision of developing Dharan and surrounding areas as a hub for paragliding and hanggliding activities.
Karki further announced that from the upcoming fiscal year, the provincial government plans to organize more than 10 international sporting events, including paragliding competitions, in connection with tourism and visit year campaigns.
Welcoming the participating Indian pilots, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that the linguistic and cultural closeness between Nepal and India, especially Sikkim, would further strengthen bilateral relations.
Similarly, Acting CEO Air stated that adventure sports activities like paragliding would make an important contribution to tourism development in Koshi Province. He noted that paragliding in the region offers breathtaking aerial views of iconic Himalayan peaks such as Mount Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse, making it an attractive experience for international tourists.
He also expressed the commitment of the Nepal Tourism Board to support and promote international-level paragliding competitions in Nepal.
Former Deputy Mayor Bhandari shared that Chhoti Morang had been identified as a suitable paragliding destination after technical studies, and the local executive committee had officially designated the area as an authorized take-off and landing point.
According to the organizers, the competition is being held in five categories: International Open, International Men’s, International Women’s, National Men’s, and National Women’s events. Medal-winning athletes from the 18th Asian Games are also participating in the championship.
