Alisha Katoch, India’s pioneering woman paraglider pilot, is making waves on the international stage. Currently participating in the Dhauladhar Paragliding Pre-Accuracy World Cup in Narwana, near Dharamsala, the 21-year-old from Bir in Mandi district is recognized for her remarkable achievements in the sport.
Katoch began her paragliding journey in 2019 and quickly became a regular flyer by 2021. This year, she proudly represented India at the Paragliding World Championship in Kazakhstan, where she earned three medals, showcasing her talent and dedication. Although she missed the recent Paragliding World Cup held in her hometown of Bir, she remains actively involved in the festivities at Narwana.
Inspired by the sight of paragliders landing in her village, Alisha pursued this challenging sport with determination. “Watching paragliders motivated me to take up this challenging sport. With my coach’s guidance, I aim to bring more glory to India in world tournaments,” she stated. Despite her impressive accomplishments, Katoch has not yet received government support and relies on her family for encouragement and resources.
A graduate of Jogindernagar College, Katoch is currently honing her skills under the mentorship of Vijay Soni, Commissioner of India Paragliding. For the past year and a half, she has trained rigorously at a premier paragliding school in Maharashtra.
The ongoing Dhauladhar Paragliding Accuracy World Cup 2024 has attracted 107 pilots from 13 countries, including India. Organized by the Adventure Sports Federation of Himachal Pradesh and the Narwana Adventure Club, this five-day event underscores India’s growing prominence in adventure sports.
Alisha Katoch’s journey reflects her resilience and passion for paragliding, serving as an inspiration for others aspiring to reach new heights in adventure sports.
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