KATHMANDU: Pokhara will once again host competitive paragliding as the 21st Nepal Open Paragliding Competition — Accuracy returns to the skies this week, marking the revival of one of Nepal's most prestigious air sports events after a hiatus forced by the COVID-19 pandemic and airspace disruptions linked to the new Pokhara International Airport.

The four-day competition, organised by the Nepal Air Sports Association (NAA), runs from March 18 to 21, with registration and technical formalities beginning March 17.

A long-awaited return

The Nepal Open Paragliding Competition (NOPC) has a long history of attracting international pilots, and its 20th edition had marked a landmark moment, becoming the first Asian Tour event of the Paragliding World Cup (PWCA). The pandemic, however, broke that momentum, and subsequent airspace restrictions over Pokhara required extensive negotiations with government and civil aviation authorities before flying could resume.

"The 21st edition represents a renewed commitment to the sport, safety and international cooperation," organisers said, describing the competition as an important step in restoring competitive paragliding to Nepal.

NAA, which serves as Nepal's representative body to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) and works closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, is currently in negotiations to regain its FAI Active Member status, a lapse attributed to the exceptional circumstances of the pandemic years. If reinstated, organisers aim to elevate future editions to FAI Category 2 status.

Competition format

This edition focuses on Paragliding Accuracy, a discipline in which Nepal holds strong tradition and international standing. The competition will run a minimum of one and a maximum of eight rounds, with a wind limit of 5 metres per second at the landing zone. Permitted wind directions at landing are west, north and east.

Team scoring will be based on four pilots per team, with the best three scores counting each round. Team compositions must be declared officially at the technical meeting.

The competition schedule is as follows: pilot briefing and official practice on March 18, followed by three full competition days from March 19 to 21, with the closing ceremony on the final day. Entry fee is set at USD 50.

Prizes and categories

Cash prizes will be awarded across men's, women's and team categories. In the men's individual category, gold carries a prize of NPR 150,000, silver NPR 100,000 and bronze NPR 50,000. Women's gold is set at NPR 75,000, silver NPR 50,000 and bronze NPR 25,000. Team prizes mirror the women's category, with gold at NPR 75,000, silver NPR 50,000 and bronze NPR 25,000.

Pokhara: A world-class accuracy hub

Pokhara's credentials as a paragliding destination need little introduction. Consistent thermals, reliable ridge lift, technically suitable landing zones and a backdrop of Himalayan peaks have made it one of the finest flying sites on earth. The city has hosted numerous national and international accuracy competitions and continues to serve as a training ground for top pilots and judges from across the world.

NAA currently regulates 13 flight sites across Nepal, from the shores of Phewa Lake to the high passes of Jumla, with a mandate to balance the growth of air sports tourism with the highest standards of safety.

Organisers have expressed commitment to holding the competition annually going forward, reviving the unbroken run the event maintained before the pandemic disrupted global sports.