Pokhara, February 19:

Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hisila Yami got the feel of the paragliding here on the opening day of the 10th Open Paragliding Tournament today.

Minister Yami experienced the thrill of the sport with the help of a trained pilot here at the Sarankot hill. Speaking during the inauguration of the event, Yami said that Pokhara has been the best adventure sports destination. “Our government is serious in helping the paragliding,” added Yami.

In all 70 pilots from 25 nations are participating in the three -day tournament. The pilots will

have to take off from Sarankot hill and land at the Khahare near the Lakeside. Ten women pilots including two from Nepal — Punam Bomjum and Trishna Shrestha — are also competing in the event organised by Western Region chapter of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).

The pilots are judged on the basis of the acrobatic, cross country and spot landing competence, said the tournament coordinator Hira Bahadur KC. The top three winners will get Rs 15,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively.