Lohan Hill has great potential to host world paragliding meets

RANAU: Lohan Hill has all the right qualities to become a world-class paragliding location here in Sabah. Situated along Sabah’s Crocker Range in the Ranau district, the location is seen by experts as a key spot for international-standard competitions for the sport.

Participants and officials of the recently concluded Paragliding Accuracy World Cup (PGAWC) Sabah 2011 held here believed the weather, accessibility and community involvement would play a big role in making this happen. Paraglider Rafael Kerin, who is currently third in the world ranking said even though it rained on the last day of the event, the paragliders could still afford to complete the designated rounds.

Smooth sailing: Paragliders making their descent to the landing site at Lohan Hill.

“The wind was accommodating and the weather was well despite the rain. “And the competition was also well-organised,” said the 41-year-old Slovenian, who emerged as the winner in the men’s category. Having competed in many paragliding competitions worldwide, he said Lohan Hill has what it takes to host the world championships.

Event director, Lt Col (R) Basir Ab Rahman, a paraglider himself, said the local community and easy access to the site were plus points to hold international events there in future. “The local community at the nearby Kampung Lohan has also been very supportive as well as the Sabah Tourism Board and the government.

Popular: Kerin (middle) posing for a photo with fans.

“The site is close to Ranau’s sports complex meaning accessibility is good. The wind at Lohan Hill is also friendly and people can fly most time of the year,” he said. Malaysia Sports Aviation Federation vice president Datuk Gimas Hussin said the federation would push for the world governing body in aviation sports, the Federation Aeronautique Internationale, to host higher level paragliding events in Lohan Hill.

The PGAWC Sabah 2011 attracted 62 paragliders from 11 countries including the men’s and women’s world number one — Slovenian Feraric Matjaz and Indonesian Sirin Milawati. Kerin won the men’s category followed by China’s Quaing Sheng Guang and Matjaz while the top three spots in the women’s category belonged to Indonesia’s Rosnia Dian, Milawati and Bonaria Cherry.

-thestar online.