Central Asia’s First Paragliding World Cup Unfolds in Kazakhstan
Poinews.com – This week, the skies above Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu region are alive with paragliders. Situated in the country’s southwest, the area has emerged as a premier location for the sport, moving beyond its initial role as a tourist attraction. For the first time in Central Asia, the nation is hosting the Paragliding World Cup, welcoming approximately 150 pilots from 33 countries this summer.
A Legacy of Passion and Development
Behind the event’s success is the Virshki family, whose efforts over the past 15 years have shaped paragliding in Kazakhstan and championed extreme sports. Igor Virshki established the Tau Zhetysu tourism complex near Tekeli, transforming it into a globally recognized paragliding hub. His son, David Virshki, a world champion, expressed pride in hosting the World Cup at the site where his journey began.
“It was always my dream to have such an event in my local site because I was born here and learned to fly here,” said David Virshki. “We found out that it’s also very interesting and prospective for competitions. World Cup for cross country is a very prestigious event to have because there are some criteria which a special paragliding commission selects events. We are very proud that we are holding such an event here in our local site.”
Preparing for Global Competition
Organizers began preparations last year, ensuring the site met international standards. Experts evaluated factors like flying conditions, safety protocols, infrastructure, and organizational capabilities before approving the venue. Goran Dimishkovski, President of the Paragliding World Cup Association, highlighted the challenge of finding suitable locations. “I’ve been doing this for 30 years and worked in many places worldwide, so it’s not easy to find new destinations with enough potential—sportive, economical, and organizational,” he noted.
A Pilot’s Journey of Recovery and Inspiration
Among the competitors is Canadian paraglider Jimmy Giroux, who credits the region for his comeback. After a severe accident left him paralyzed, he found solace in Zhetysu. “I trained in Europe and broke my back, but I didn’t realize it at first,” Giroux explained. “I flew here to Kazakhstan, and it took me two days to reach the site. When I arrived, I couldn’t move my leg. A surgeon from Taldykorgan city saved my life—his name is Almaz.”
“Today, I see Kazakhstan not just as a competition site, but as a place that helped me recover and return to the sport I love. It also has strong, untapped potential in paragliding,” he added. “I love the wilderness. Kazakhstan feels like a beautiful, untouched destination. It’s very safe because there aren’t as many trees as in Europe, making landings easier for beginners.”
Unique Features of Zhetysu
The region’s natural terrain creates ideal conditions for paragliding. Its mountains, hills, wide valleys, and stable thermals support long flights, while the open landscape improves visibility and landing safety. David Virshki emphasized the distinctiveness of the environment. “Kazakhstan’s nature is very pristine and wild. Pilots say this is the key element they don’t find in Europe, where nature is more civilized,” he said.
Boosting Tourism and Expanding Horizons
Local authorities view the World Cup as a catalyst for boosting tourism. Yersin Ibrashev, Head of the Zhetysu region’s Tourism Department, noted the growing interest. “We currently see participants from Canada, Australia, the U.S., and nearly all of Europe and Asia. This is a strong sign that the region is becoming a magnet for large-scale international events,” he remarked.
“We plan to continue expanding in this direction,” Ibrashev added. “At the same time, Kazakhstan is exploring similar projects at Lake Balkhash. The idea involves acro paragliding over the lake, using winch systems instead of mountains. This format could evolve into a highly spectacular sporting event.”
The competition runs until 28 June, with the World Cup stage also playing a key role in the inte
