Russian paragliders soar under foreign flags at Bir-Billing event

Daria stood third in the women’s category with a score of 370.5 points in today’s race.

Leonid explained that their dual status and flying licenses from other countries allow them to participate in international events.

“I am Russian and currently working in Germany. My wife Daria also has dual citizenship. This is my second international event this year; I also competed in Barcelona. I hold a German flying license, while Daria has one from Israel,” Leonid explained as he readied for the takeoff. He added, “The sanctions have limited Russian participation in some events, but we’ve managed to continue our passion for paragliding.”

The couple has been training at Bir-Billing since early October, balancing remote work with their love of flying.

This event has a dozen-odd participants who trace their roots to Russia. Locals say Bir-Billing is a popular paragliding spot with Russians .

Leonid praised Bir-Billing as a paragliding site, noting, “This place has great potential, especially in autumn and spring, though it could do with some improvements such as better basic amenities and well-maintained take-off platforms.”

Goran Dimiskovski, president of the Paragliding World Cup Association (PWCA), confirmed that participants with dual citizenship and valid licenses from FAI-registered countries can still compete, even if they are Russian nationals. “The PWCA follows the Federation Aeronautique Internationale’s norms, and while there are certain restrictions on Russian participation, dual citizenship provides an avenue,” said Dimiskovski, who is overseeing the event.

Anurag Sharma, president of the Billing Paragliding Association, said the Asian Tour event, organised by PWCA, has drawn 94 participants from 26 countries, including some with Russian backgrounds competing under other flags.

Only one top paraglider from this event will qualify for the 2024 World Cup Superfinal in Colombia, said Dimiskovski.

Local enthusiasm for paragliding remains high among Russian visitors, said Suresh Sharma, a hotelier in Billing. “Every year, scores of Russian free-flyers come to Bir-Billing. Their passion for this adventure sport is remarkable,” he added.

The roll call of the day’s winners

Austin Cox of the USA took first place with a score of 1,000 points. Dominik Kapica of Poland secured second place with 861.4 points, and Bence Halasz of Hungary placed third with 858.5 points in today’s 94 km race. In the women’s category, Joana Kocat of Poland led with 724.8 points, followed by Marina Olexina of Brazil with 372.6 points. German flyer Daria Eltekova took third place with 370.5 points.