Gangtok (Sikkim), Nov.1 (ANI): He may have retired from soccer, but the spirit of adventure still breathes heavy in former Indian skipper, Bhaichung Bhutia who inaugurated the Sikkim paragliding festival this week by taking the first jump from a cliff in Gangtok.
Taking time out of the ongoing I-League and his own team United Sikkim FC, Bhaichung tried the soaring heights on a glider with the assistance of a trainer.
A free kick could have come easy, but free falling was something new for Bhaichung. He was spotted flying over the picturesque hills of Gangtok with Mt. Kanchanjunga on the backdrop during the Sikkim Paragliding festival, which began on Wednesday (October 30).
The Paragliding Association of India has made him a lifetime honorary member as well.
"I am sure adventure sport in Sikkim is going to be some which is as big as anywhere else in India," said Bhutia.
The paragliding festival was a tremendous attraction for the tourists.
"One thing I really enjoyed was the sight of the Para gliders jumping from the cliff and then landing safely here on the ground. This paragliding festival is a great tourist destination," said Shantanu Hore, a tourist
Paragliding, a popular adventure tourism attraction, is slowly catching on in Sikkim where visitors would not miss a chance of coursing over the mighty hills.
Sikkim has over a dozen trained paragliding pilots and the government now intends to make the sport a major tourist attraction. (ANI)
|
|
Comments:
