POKHARA/SYANGJA, Nov 10: Nepali paragliders dominated an international paragliding competition held in Swarek of Syangja on Wednesday. According to the organizers, Nepali paragliders won all the awards on offer in the international competition.
In the men's overall event, Krishna Bahadur Sunar, Madan Kumar Sunar and Bimal Adhikari were placed in first, second and third position, respectively. Likewise, in accuracy event, Rikhi Pode was declared winner, following by Yubaraj Sunar and Bimal Adhikari who finished the event as first runner-up and second runner-up, respectively. Similarly, Bishal Thapa, Krishna Bahadur Sunar and Nisim Thapa bagged the top three positions in cross-country event.
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In women's overall and accuracy events, B B Singtan secured first position ahead of Sabita Tamang and Nikita Sunar. Nikita Sunar was declared winner of the women's cross country event, while Tamang and Singtan finished as first runner-up and second runner-up, respectively.
According to the organizers, the competition also selected the top three pilots in the Tandem category. Bishal Thapa was declared winner of Tandem category, while Prem Timalsina and Alice Thapa finished second and third, respectively.
The competition was jointly organized by Nepal Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Nepal Air Sports Organization, National Sports Council and Olympic Committee of Nepal with the assistance of the local Babu Adventure Club.
Twenty-one male and four female pilots made it to the international competition from the initial selection round.
“We will select the national team from the shortlisted candidates by organizing another selection competition within a few months,” Sanobabu Sunar, chief coach of Babu Adventure Club, said.
He added that Nepali gliders will participate in the paragliding event of the 18th Asian Games to be held in Indonesia next year. “Seven out of 21 male pilots will be selected for the Asian Games, while five female pilots will be selected for the competition,” he added.
Khagraj Paudel, president of the Regional Sports Development Committee, said that the second round of selection will be held either in Pokhara or Swarek itself. “Nepal paragliders will participate in international arena for the first time next year,” he said, adding: “An opportunity to participate in an international paragliding competition is itself a huge achievement.”
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