Vikhor leads Sharjah Paragliding Championship, Chau hails facilities

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Belarus’ Yuhenny Vikhor took top spot with 14 points after three rounds of the fourth edition of the Sharjah International Paragliding Championship at the picturesque Jebel Al Faya area on Saturday.

Bulgaria’s Yasin Nishev secured second, while Russia’s Mylennikov moved up to third.

Staying in the hunt, Turkey’s Artun Bayrak is in the fourth spot with 22 points.

The massive public turnout on the tournament's second day, which included both visitors and enthusiasts, was possibly one of the most notable features of the championship.

The organizing committee did well to implement the "reciprocal" method it had planned in advance due to the strength and direction of the winds.

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Obaid Al Mansouri, Director of the Championship, said: "Each paraglider is only allowed to perform one experiment and is entitled to five leaps calculated for him as the result of the best three of them."

Obaid lauded the logistical work team led by the dynamic Yousef Alshehhi, board member of the Emirates Aerosports Federation and head of the referees committee.

"The Yousef-led team made a perfect reciprocal plan, and the organizing committee did well to implement it due to the intensity and direction of the winds," he added.

Attending the championship in Sharjah for the second time, Andy Chau, a Board Member of the Airsport Federation of Asia, praised the facilities, the high level of competition and the wonderful location, which is one of the world's most picturesque locations.

"I am happy to be in the UAE to attend the Sharjah International Paragliding Championship and discuss ways of cooperation with the Emirates Aerosports Federation," he said.

Chau emphasized that China, Japan, Indonesia, the UAE, and Thailand are the greatest nations on the continent in this sport.

Nihal Ali Al Hilal, a Saudi competitor and kindergarten teacher, expressed her happiness at being in the UAE and her pride at being the first Arab woman to compete in the championship outside of her home country.

"I have been practicing the sport for three years at the Asir Air Sports Club and previously attended a camp in Slovenia," she said.