Paragliding competition cancelled in Himachal Pradesh

Bir Billing/Shimla, Sept 30 (ANI): Paragliders are disappointed as the Paragliding Pre-World Cup Tournament has been cancelled in Himachal Pradesh as there was need to develop international paragliding facilities in the state.

Bir valley in Kangra district where the competition was to take place attracts paragliders from countries like Italy, France, Turkey, Mexico and Korea.

The paragliders said that cancellation of event was a set back for locals who made a handsome earnings.

"When the people come from all over the country and the world, so there is a lot of income to the locals like taxi people and hoteliers," Joti Thakur, a paraglider.

The valley is only the second place to offer the facility. Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir is another place for paragliding.

"Last year only, it had been decided that the subsequent events would only be held after the association is properly registered with the international body," said Arun Sharma, Director, Tourism Department, Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal Pradesh is one of the favourite summer destinations for both Indian and foreign tourists. (ANI)