Kapkot in Bageshwar district hosted a five-day National Accuracy Paragliding Championship in February 2026. The Kapkot paragliding championship began on 5 February 2026. Pilots took off from the Jalekh hills. Notably, 92 pilots from various states registered, and 78 took part. Moreover, thousands of local residents and tourists watched the flights. Hence, the event placed Kapkot firmly on Uttarakhand’s adventure tourism map.
Inauguration and Rounds of Competition
District Magistrate Akanksha Konde and local MLA Suresh Singh Gariya inaugurated the event. Then, organisers held technical training and safety sessions for the participants. According to Uttarakhand Morning Post, 55 pilots completed all four rounds. In accuracy flying, pilots try to land as close as possible to a fixed target. Therefore, the contest tests precise control rather than distance.
Who Won the Championship?
Manish Upreti won the first prize of Rs 1,00,000. Next, Manish Bhandari finished second and received Rs 50,000. Meanwhile, Pankaj Kumar took third place and Rs 30,000. In addition, women pilots received special incentive awards. Interestingly, DM Konde herself flew from Jalekh during the closing ceremony.
Kapkot as an Adventure Destination
After the event, DM Konde said, “Kapkot–Bageshwar has now been established as a new destination for adventure tourism.” She also promised continued efforts to win it international recognition. Earlier, in April 2023, Bageshwar hosted a national paragliding accuracy competition at Kedareshwar Maidan. At that time, officials called it the district’s first national-level paragliding event. Likewise, Uttarakhand Tourism promotes acrobatic paragliding through the Tehri Acro Festival.
About Bageshwar and Kapkot
Bageshwar became a separate district in 1997, carved out of Almora. Kapkot lies on the banks of the Saryu river. Also, the town falls on the route to the Pindari Glacier trek. So, flying sites like Jalekh add a new attraction to this trekking belt.
Kapkot Paragliding Championship: Key Facts for Revision
- Event: National Accuracy Paragliding Championship (five days)
- Place: Kapkot, Bageshwar district
- Launch site: Jalekh hills
- Start date: 5 February 2026
- Participation: 92 registered, 78 flew
- Winners: Manish Upreti (first), Manish Bhandari (second), Pankaj Kumar (third)
- Inaugurated by: DM Akanksha Konde and MLA Suresh Singh Gariya
Why Kapkot Paragliding Championship Matters for UKPSC
Notably, UKPSC often asks about adventure tourism sites and events in the state. So, remember the venue, the launch site and the winner. Also, link Kapkot with other flying sites such as Tehri. For official updates, also visit Uttarakhand Tourism. Next, for a related story, read about the Tehri Lake global destination master plan. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.