BIR BILLING TO TELOMOYO: INDIA’S PARAGLIDING JOURNEY TO GLOBAL COMPETITIONS

Tracing the rise of Indian paragliders from Himalayan ridges to international skies.

India’s relationship with the skies has evolved from spiritual metaphors to actual flight. Nowhere is this transformation more visible than in the growing presence of Indian paragliders on the international stage. From the rugged takeoffs at Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh to the vibrant thermals of Telomoyo, Indonesia, Indian pilots are now marking their presence at some of the world’s most respected paragliding competitions — and changing perceptions along the way.

The Roots: Bir Billing—Cradle of Indian Paragliding

Every story has a starting point, and for Indian paragliding, it is undeniably Bir Billing.

Regarded as the paragliding capital of India, this duo of towns in Himachal Pradesh has long been a playground for domestic and international pilots. The topography — a 2,400-meter-high launch site at Billing and a wide, grassy landing zone in Bir — creates one of the most consistent thermic flying zones in the world.

When Bir Billing hosted the Paragliding World Cup in 2015, it wasn’t just a global sporting event. It was India’s formal arrival into the elite league of paragliding nations.

Rising Thermals: From Hobby to High Performance

Post-2015, the Indian paragliding community — once fragmented and self-taught — started organizing. Schools became more structured, safety protocols improved, and new pilots began pushing their limits.

• IMF (Indian Mountaineering Foundation) and regional clubs began sending delegations to FAI-approved (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) competitions.
• Indian military and paramilitary pilots, especially from the Indian Army and Air Force, brought a level of discipline and adventure ethos that helped the sport grow deeper.
• More Indian names started appearing in cross-country results, accuracy contests, and aerial endurance races.

Flying Abroad: India at Telomoyo and Red Bull X-Alps

Telomoyo Cup, Indonesia

The Telomoyo Cup is one of Southeast Asia’s most prestigious cross-country paragliding races. Held in Indonesia, it attracts some of the best pilots from the region and beyond.

In recent years, Indian pilots have not just participated — they’ve won accolades. At Telomoyo 2023, India’s Subedar Sanjeev clinched Gold in the Cross-Country Race to Goal, while Havildar Nagaraj earned accolades for Highest Flight. The Indian contingent also won medals for best timing, thermal soaring, and team performance, showcasing a well-rounded flying skillset.

This marked a turning point — India wasn’t just participating; it was competing.

Red Bull X-Alps

While no Indian has yet completed the notoriously grueling Red Bull X-Alps — a race that combines hiking, mountaineering, and paragliding across the Alps — several athletes have expressed aspirations. The event is considered the Everest of paragliding, and Indian adventurers are beginning to train and strategize for a future debut.

Challenges in the Climb

Despite these achievements, Indian paragliders still face unique challenges:

• Limited funding: Most pilots self-finance their international campaigns. Sponsorship is still scarce.
• Training infrastructure: While Bir and Kamshet offer great flying, India lacks dedicated training centers that meet European or South American standards.
• Equipment: Import restrictions and costs make it hard for athletes to access the latest wings, harnesses, and GPS tools.
• Recognition: Aero sports still fall outside mainstream sporting coverage, reducing visibility and institutional support.

The Wind Ahead: A Sky Full of Possibilities

Despite the obstacles, the trajectory is clear — India is in flight.

• Youth from non-metro cities are joining schools in Himachal, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand to train professionally.
• Indian paragliding clubs are inviting foreign instructors, conducting SIV (safety) courses, and hosting more competitive events.
• There’s growing collaboration between the armed forces and civilian clubs, leading to stronger teams and shared resources.

With each successful international sortie — from Telomoyo’s victory to aspirations for the Alps — India is no longer on the sidelines. It is soaring toward a future where the tricolor flutters not just on mountains but across skies around the world.