Meghalaya to Host 'Open Paragliding Accuracy Championship Asian League' in December

SHILLONG : Meghalaya is going to host the 'Open Paragliding Accuracy Championship Asian League' from 7-10 December 2022. The event will be organised in Rapleng village in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. The mega event is organised by Meghalaya Aero and Adventure Sports Association (MAASA). 

Participants from India as well as from outside the country are expected to take part in the contest. The Meghalaya Accuracy championship is merged with the Asian League which will enable the winner to qualify the Asian League that is going to take place in Thailand next year. Raju Rai, the chief judge of the Championship expressed in front of the media that, the main reason behind the contest is to promote adventure sports and tourism in Meghalaya. The state has beautiful airy landscaping suitable for adventure sports. 

According to Federation Aeronautic International (FAI) a number of 100 participants are allowed in the championship. However, MAASA has registered more than 143 national and international candidates as of now including pilots from the United States of America, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Nepal, South Korea and Indonesia. The response is great and people are looking forward to this mega event enthusiastically. 

Raju Rai, the FAI Indian member mentioned that the number of participants has been increased from 100 to 110 considering the response recieved. Desmond Nonkhlaw, MAASA president stated that, discussions are still on with the government, regarding the funding. Organisers want to carry out the activities of the event in an attractive manner and also they intend to train the local youths of the state. An amount of Rs. 25 lakhs has been received till now. 

He further stated that 32 local youth are currently getting trained at Madan Rapleng East Khasi Hill, and the initiative is undertaken by Meghalaya Skill Development Society (MSDS). These youth will further promote the adventure tourism of the state, and in the next 2-3 years they can also be a part of championships like this.

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